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, […]
Learning English Outdoors: Phonics Fun in the Sun 🌞
The suns out!!! It’s the perfect time to take learning outdoors! Today, our brilliant KS1 EAL(English ad a second language) learners embarked on an exciting alphabet hunt across the playground! But the fun didn’t stop there! We brought the learning full circle by using our trusty phonics disks to build different words. This hands-on approach […]
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 […]
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 […]
Creative Nature Art Projects Using Earth’s Gifts
Dive into the vibrant intersection of art and the natural environment, where children can use materials found in nature to craft beautiful works of art. This blog post will explore the endless possibilities of nature art, encouraging young artists to look closely at the textures and colours surrounding them. I’ll provide practical advice on collecting […]
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 […]