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 into […]
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 […]
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 […]
What Is Outdoor Learning?
The Institute of Outdoor Learning (2020) defines outdoor learning as a broad term that includes discovery, experimentation, learning about and connecting to the natural world, and engaging in environmental and adventure activities. Within primary education, there is a focus on educationally legitimising outdoor learning. Hence, outdoor learning is commonly becoming viewed as a pedagogical […]