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.
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 […]
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 […]
The Early Years Outdoors
In this blog, we will explore the crucial role that outdoor learning plays in children’s development during the Early years foundation stage (EYFS) (up to the age of 5 in the UK). We’ll delve into the advantages of outdoor learning activities, from improving motor skills to encouraging imaginative play and promoting overall wellbeing. The blog […]
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 […]
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. […]
Forest Schools: Offering A Fresh Approach To Learning
I am currently completing a portfolio of work to gain my Forest School Leader 3 qualification. Recently, I was lucky enough to participate in Forest School Practical Training with the outdoors group, which has a forest schools training centre based in Exmouth. The week-long course was a wonderful experience. I learned the practical skills needed […]
Developing the Wellbeing of Children Through Outdoor Learning
In today’s blog post, I’ll discuss the importance of children getting the opportunity to be in outdoor environments and how this helps with mental well-being and soothes those with neurological challenges, including ADHD. Nature Deficit Disorder Louv (2008) highlights that children spend less unstructured time in nature. The paper concludes that this impacts children’s […]
The Importance of Outdoor Play
Throughout my career as a teacher, I’ve mainly worked with KS2 children, but in my new role, I’ve been enjoying my KS1 and early years classes. They’ve given me the chance to observe many fantastic examples of play in the early years and KS1 departments, which has inspired me to introduce more free play opportunities […]
