Key Stage 1 & 2
Education research by King's College, London (2011) has found that children who spend time learning in natural environments perform better in academic studies. Exploring the natural world makes other school subjects, such as reading, mathematics, science and social studies more relevant and truly gets children excited about learning.
97% of teachers believe that schools need to use outside spaces effectively to enhance their pupils' development. However, 82% do not agree that their own school is making ‘as much use as it can of this valuable resource’.
Learning Through Landscapes (2010)
97% of teachers believe that schools need to use outside spaces effectively to enhance their pupils' development. However, 82% do not agree that their own school is making ‘as much use as it can of this valuable resource’.
Learning Through Landscapes (2010)
Opportunities for children in an outdoor setting
Maths outdoors
"Learning mathematics outside the classroom is not enrichment, it is at the core of empowering an individual's understanding of the subject. Getting out of the classroom facilitates authentic or experiential learning and gives a better access to the main pathways to learning. Pupils not only experience mathematics in concrete and novel stings, but can be liberated from the sometimes restrictive expectations of the classroom." (National Centre for Excellence in the teaching of mathematics, 2016)
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Learning to mange risk.Key message: ‘Play is great for children’s well-being and development. When planning and providing play opportunities, the goal is not to eliminate risk, but to weigh up the risks and benefits. No child will learn about risk if they are wrapped in cotton wool’. (HSE, 2012)
In an outdoor environment children learn to manage their own risks. Our role is simply to eliminate hazards which they may not see and then to let them take us on their own learning adventure. Outdoor discoveries, imaginary play, exploration, nature and science, big spaces that afford climbing, crouching, rolling, mixing, painting and building; all within a risk-assessed environment allow children to be safe to do, rather than safe from doing. |
Literacy outdoors |
Problem solving outdoors
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Time spent in an outdoor setting and particularly in woodland acts as a catalyst for children's own stories, as they are stimulated to use descriptive language.
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In a large environment, children can take part in large-scale challenges, providing opportunities for developing problem solving skills and creativity, encouraging co-operation and a thinking approach that benefits from the creativity of many minds.
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Ideas for activities
All activities have been designed to be carried out in an outdoor setting with a concrete playground or local park using minimal, low cost resources. Many of the resources are flexible and can be used in a number of different activities. Good provision comes from making the most of the space and resources you have combined with a positive, enthusiastic and engaged attitude from adults. Together these facilitate meaningful learning experiences for children that will vitally support their holistic development.
Click on the links below to access a range of activities:
Click on the links below to access a range of activities: