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 […]
Making Sustainability Connections Through Outdoor Learning
“Sustainable development is about developing an understanding of the global implications of our daily actions (e.g., energy and resource use) and taking responsibility for these” (Beames et al., 2012, p. 8). There’s plenty of research that supports the view that the world is living unsustainably and that tackling this problem should be a priority […]
Overcoming Challenges and Teaching Outdoors
Overcoming Challenges Teachers often face seeming obstacles when planning and facilitating outdoor learning. These include weather, adult-to-child ratios, and timetabling (Salmi et al., 2016). The aforementioned are all challenges I have encountered as a teacher, and through experience, I have come up with solutions to most logistical problems. As a class teacher, I planned one […]
Using Local Environments For Outdoor Learning
Local Environments There can be a perception that outdoor learning needs to take place far away from school (Beames et al., 2009). In Scotland, where I grew up and have previously taught, it’s common for primary-age children to go on a yearly residential trip to engage in various outdoor activities. Although residential experiences are positive […]
