Outdoor Curriculum
Outdoor environments provide unique opportunities for children to learn and develop. Outdoor learning benefits children physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally and promotes positive attitudes to learning. Outside children enjoy freedoms that aren’t possible in the classroom, everything can be louder, larger and messier.
The outdoors provides a flexible space for children to explore concepts from a different perspective. It is easily adapted and ever changing. Outside children are able to enjoy real and first-hand experiences, as well as opportunities to learn through sensory activities and through movement. Many children are naturally drawn to and thrive in the outdoor environment.
Children often engage in unstructured play outside and can follow their own ideas and interests. This offers opportunities for children to challenge and express themselves, to imagine and create, to investigate, invent and problem solve. Through independent play children also develop their ability to self-direct, self-regulate and persevere.
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Activities for Active Learning Outdoors
Nature-Based Maths
Create a maths trail where children solve problems involving counting, measuring, and estimating using natural objects like leaves, sticks, or stones. For example, measure the height of a tree using shadows or estimate the number of steps around the playground. Make a clock face using chalk to draw the face on the play area and use sticks as the ‘hands’ to practice telling the time.
Storytelling in the Wild
Hold a storytelling session in a shaded area or under a tree. Encourage children to use natural objects to create characters, settings, or props for their own stories, fostering creativity and language skills.
Outdoor Science Investigations
Explore habitats by observing insects, birds, and plants. Investigate topics like minibeast classification, life cycles, or plant growth. You could even conduct experiments like testing soil pH or observing weather patterns.
Art with Nature
Encourage creativity by using natural materials for art projects. Make nature paintbrushes using sticks and leaves, leaf rubbings, mandalas from twigs and flowers, sculptures using mud and clay. Discuss environmental sustainability while working.
Environmental Stewardship Projects
Engage children in activities like planting trees, creating a wildlife garden, or maintaining a compost area. These projects teach responsibility and sustainability while connecting children to nature.
Physical Geography Exploration
Teach mapping skills by having students create maps of the school grounds, including features like trees, benches, and paths. Introduce compass use and simple orienteering for a hands-on geography lesson.
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