Keep up-to-date with the latest developments and discussions in Outdoor Learning with our Blog.
The COP26 summit has (thankfully), brought the burning issue of climate change back to the forefront of government policies after 18 months of ‘environmental lapse’ due to COVID. In my experience, I saw too much shameful ignorance of environmentally friendly attitudes excused by COVID. Gluttonous seizing of products; single-use masks, aprons and gloves pebble-dashing the…
In light of recent news that sales of the two most polluting fuels (green/ wet wood and coal), will be phased out in England to help cut air pollution by 2023, (BBC News 21/02/20 – link to article at the bottom of this blog); should we be having open fires as part of our outdoor sessions…
Why we need curiosity and how outdoor learning can foster it There are numerous articles which discuss the benefits of promoting curiosity amongst children of today. Most evaluate the current education system’s tendency to push out children’s creativity and drive towards attainment targets and set curriculums instead. Wendy Berliner states that, ‘teachers who concentrate on…
The benefits of pupils learning outside of the classroom are becoming increasingly publicised, but many teachers still shy away for fear of exposing children to too many risks. In my latest article, published by ‘Independent Education,’ I explain why outdoor learning is essential for learning. Read the full published article here: https://ie-today.co.uk/Blog/outdoor-learning-helps-children-build-invaluable-life-skills/ Searching…
Why not commit to investing some of your time into gaining a closer understanding of a particular tree this New Year? This can be great for both teachers/ leaders, other adults and for all children in order to: Improve your knowledge Extend your understanding Become more aware of seasonal changes Increase observation skills Learn to…
1) Buy local Reduce the carbon footprint of your purchases and support small businesses by shopping in your local specialist suppliers. Many rely on your custom to feed their families rather than your spending lining the pockets of multinational corporations. Buying local also means less postage-linked transport pollution and single-use postage-packaging. 2) Car share or…
Why it’s more important than ever to hold and promote eco-friendly attitudes towards sustainability and environmental protection We all know that spending time outdoors brings many benefits for both ourselves and for the children in our care. Many schools and families are opting to take their children outside more often in an attempt to re-connect…
Outdoor fun can quickly decline to a miserable experience once cold or wet. Play and learning in the outdoors can be a highly enjoyable and valuable experience given the correct clothing. Stay safe and comfortable whilst outside this Winter/ Spring with our FREE guidance resource. Downland here
Why outdoor learning should remain an important filling in the already jam-packed and fully-squeezed school sandwich of teaching and learning. How are we going to fit it all in with everything else? How can we afford to introduce outdoor learning with tighter budgets and funding cuts? These are all-to familiar questions I am often asked.…
Why venturing outside is more important than ever. A literature review and summary by Alex Alves, Outdoor Learning Made Easy. It’s raining… again. Your previous motivation to venture outside is descending faster than the raindrops against your window. The security and familiarity of the cosy ‘box’ of a room you’re standing in seems very appealing,…
I may be showing my age, but it was about twenty six years ago when my teacher thrust a text book under my nose showing a picture of some Ancient Egyptian contraption he had called a ‘shaduf.’ It all looked a bit primitive to me. I remember looking at it with glazed-over eyes, thinking, “How…
FREE Outdoor Learning presentation This handy information guide in pdf format illustrates how you can introduce Outdoor Learning and Forest School in your establishment and why it is so important. You may use this guide to present to staff in your school or parents of your pupils. To access the presentation, click on the link…
Throughout my fifteen years of teaching, both inside and outside of the classroom, my experience of leading Outdoor Learning and Forest School, and my experience of leading Outdoor Education and expeditions, I can offer… My 5 top tips for successful Outdoor Learning: 1.) Embrace what you’ve got! Outdoor learning can take place in any outdoor…
Most teachers and leaders now recognise the immense benefits of taking learning outside. However, many people are often confused about which route or professional development course to take. I often come across many who say, I’d like to ‘teach’ forest school but we only have a playing field. Or, we don’t have time on our…
Let them play in mud: A simple summary of how making mud pies can help to improve a child’s self esteem and emotional Intelligence. Alex Alves – Outdoor Learning Made Easy Self esteem – Ideal self: Children naturally strive to succeed and want to achieve. Freedom in playing in mud or making mud pies will…
During experiences in the outdoors, children are able to play and learn with new materials in a stimulating setting which often relates to real-life situations. This combination can offer limitless possibilities when facilitated correctly. Good Outdoor Learning allows for imaginative play and exploration. Activities should often be open-ended and flexible and so there are no…
“Learning through listening may last five minutes. Learning through watching might last a day. Learning through experiencing will last a lifetime.” One of the most breathtaking and life-changing experiences of my life to date, and one which I will remember for the rest of my life, was volunteering on a conservation programme in the Amazon…
Thom and I managed to escape our office to enjoy the beauty of The Lake District last weekend. After spending many hours building up the teachers’ resource site in preparation for our up-coming launch, a chance to re-connect with the outdoors and nature was definitely needed. We are so excited about launching our teachers’ outdoor learning plans…