Bringing Literacy to Life: Moving Beyond the Classroom Walls 📚🌳
👉Last week in preperation for our writing lesson, my studnets brought our class book Arthur and the Golden Rope to life! Together, we explored Arthur’s incredible journey across the ocean to the Land of the Gods, mapping journey and the challenges he faced using chalk on the playground (including his battle with the mighty KRAKEN🐙). […]
Taking Science Week 2026 Outdoors! 🔬🧪🌿
👉This year, we are bringing STEM to life at our International School through the power of storytelling and nature connection! This Monday, I delivered “Top Secret” letters from some very special local wildlife characters, each facing a unique STEM engineering dilemma. Our junior scientists will be tasked with solving problems for:• Syd the Red Squirrel […]
Why Teaching Outdoors Is So Important To Me
As a teacher, I often reflect on my time as a student, trying to remember what it was like for me at the age I now teach. Recently, when presenting a session on outdoor learning for the Institute for Outdoor Learning Global Conference. I decided to start with a story. This story explains my ‘Why’—why […]
A Message from the Doers: Consider context when offering advice
For the past two years, I’ve been sharing my experiences teaching children outdoors. I now feel confident in sharing this because of my 11 years of teaching experience, my MSc Outdoor Education that I completed alongside my practical experience. Even with this background, I still try to avoid using prescriptive language when sharing: like “should” […]
Ditch the Assumptions: Creating engaging outdoor learning lessons for your students
When working as an outdoor learning specialist across four international schools (Early Years to Year 6, for three years!), I led countless forest excursions for curriculum-linked tasks. My initial thought? Every child would be thrilled! But the reality wasn’t always that simple. I remember my confusion when some kids didn’t seem as into the trips […]
Learning Outdoors: A Digital-Natural Blend
I often get asked about my approach to learning outdoors. While I’m advocate for hands-on discovery with natural materials, I’ve also enjoyed combining edtech—specifically, the iPad. I find it a useful tool for bridging the gap between the outdoors and the classroom, creating an engaging experience for learners. Here’s how I use iPads to enhance […]
15 Years Going Strong: A Community Built and Bonded in the Great Outdoors!
Our Edinburgh University Outdoor Education MSc cohort recently celebrated our 15-year anniversary, a testament to the powerful community we built and the enduring love for nature that brought us together. Looking back on my time at the University of Edinburgh, one of the best years of my life was spent canoeing down the River Spey, […]
Outdoor Learning Worshop Success: Outdoor Learning Conference 2025
I am thrilled to have presented my Wild STEM Outdoor Learning workshop at the ECIS, the Educational Collaborative for International Schools Outdoor Learning Conference 2025! What a truly memorable and wonderful experience connecting with so many inspiring educators passionate about outdoor learning. I was absolutely overjoyed and humbled by the incredible turnout for my workshop […]
Father’s Hope: Nurturing Our Children’s Connection to Nature
Watching my daughter stare in wide-eyed wonder at the great outdoors fills me with a teacher’s resolve. This natural connection, blossoming at such a young age, must be nurtured. In our fast-paced world, many children lack regular access to nature. Busy schedules, urban living, and safety concerns can create a barrier to exploring the wonders […]
Presesentation for NHL Stenden Student Teachers
Thanks, Vesna Radivojevic, Ed.D. and Esther Geke Drewes for asking me to speak to your fantastic students Master International Teacher Education (NHL Stenden). It is always a pleasure to discuss ideas with the future generation of educators and change makers.