I am Proud To Have Presented At The Institute For Outdoor Learning International Conference
On Friday, shortly after dismissing my class, I grabbed a couple of coffees, threw on a fresh hoodie, fixed the hair and went straight into presenting my seminar on developing and facilitating an outdoor learning programme for my primary school organisation. My aim was to speak from the heart, sharing the ups, downs, special moments, […]
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: Benefits Teacher’s Aswell
Teaching in a traditional classroom can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of noise, visual stimuli, and schedules. This can be especially challenging for neurodivergent educators who may find the sensory overload overwhelming. How Outdoor Learning Can Benefit Teachers Sensory Break: Spending time outdoors provides a much-needed sensory break. The natural environment offers a calmer, less […]
Outdoor Learning Equipment: Less can mean more?
Many teachers love incorporating outdoor learning into our curriculum, but the pressure to create and manage elaborate outdoor equipment setups can feel overwhelming (time a lot if teachers may not have). The truth is, children thrive on simple exploration and open-ended play. So maybe you don’t need the pinterest-perfect mud kitchen and instead make it […]
Proud Moment: I Presented At My First Conference
Proud moment! Another step in the right direction. Just wrapped up my first conference presentation at Practicle Pedagogies 2024. It’s been a rollercoaster ride the past few years, filled with my fairshare of self-doubt and challenges to overcome. But I continue to push myself outside my comfort zone in order to develop into the educator […]
Continual Professional Development: Not just about ticking boxes
Continual Professional Development (CPD) isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s a journey of growth for both educators and students. Here are some things I have learned from others and from my own experiences: 🤝 Collaborative and Flexible – Effective CPD should be reflective and collaborative. When participants are actively involved in CPD sessions, it’s […]
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 […]