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 […]
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, […]
Enhance Your Neurodivergent Students School Experience: Get Outdoors!
Do you have neurodivergent students struggling to focus in the classroom? An option that could help is to get outdoors! Research shows that outdoor learning is great for all kids. 👉Learning outside is not just about fresh air and fun. It also helps: 🌱Reduce stress and anxiety: Nature’s calming influence helps regulate emotions. 🌱Improve focus […]
Creating Inclusive Outdoor Learning Experiences for Diverse Learners
Discover how outdoor learning can be used and adapted to embrace and support diverse learners’ unique needs and abilities, providing an inclusive educational environment. This blog will spotlight the versatility of outdoor learning, highlighting its benefits and the various strategies that make it accessible for all students. From sensory activities to kinesthetic tasks, we’ll explore […]
Discovering Math in Nature Through Patterns, Shapes, Natural Materials and More…
Venture outside the classroom and into the natural world, where mathematics isn’t just numbers on paper but a visible part of our environment. This blog will explore learning math outside through finding patterns in nature, using scavenger hunts to enhance learning, using natural materials for number work and revealing how symmetry and shapes manifest in […]
Simple and Fun Science Taught Outdoors
One of my favourite parts of my job is encouraging young learners’ scientific curiosity by utilising outdoor environments and natural materials. This blog will walk you through simple, fun scientific lessons enhanced by being taught outside or using common natural materials. We’ll discover the advantages of learning science outdoors. Get ready for various kid-focused activities […]
Quality Outdoor Learning Staff Training Experiences
I’ve been fortunate to be in the position to participate in Outdoor Learning Continual Professional Development (CPD) and have also had the opportunity to deliver CPD. I have helped facilitate study days for my school organisations, given workshops and lectures to University students, and given online presentations. Elliot et al. (2011) advise that good quality […]
Fun Wildlife Themed Outdoor STEM Ideas
When I first started teaching outdoor learning, I decided to take a tiny hedgehog along to my early years class as a kind of mascot. Within a few minutes, the hedgehog was given a name. Hamish the hedgehog was so popular with the class that he’s remained in my bag for the last two years. […]