literacy | Creative STAR Learning | I'm a teacher, get me OUTSIDE here!

Wishing Rods and Speed Brakers

Mar 19, 2013 | Art & Music Outdoors, Early Years Outdoors, RME Outdoors

“Be careful what you wish for because it may come true” (Proverb) Celtic folklore exists about the use of wishing rods which are found tied to beech trees. The beech tree is also known as the tree of wishes. Fallen beech branches are said to be invitations...

Literacy in the Woods at the Secret Garden Outdoor Nursery

Dec 6, 2012 | Early Years Outdoors, Literacy Outdoors

Last Easter I was fortunate enough to spend a day at the Secret Garden Outdoor Nursery in Fife. It was one of those magical days which remain etched in my memory for many reasons. I was particularly bowled over by the numerous examples of literacy happening...

A Fish Trail not a Fishy Tale

Jul 21, 2012 | Art & Music Outdoors, Literacy Outdoors

Last week my son and I went to visit Hull. This is not a regular destination on most tourists’ “to do” list when exploring England, but it has many hidden surprises including the Fish Trail, which is one of the most inspired and quirky public works...

Literacy Trails in Outdoor Spaces

Jun 23, 2012 | Literacy Outdoors

Trails are interesting things. Children like them and they are often associated with taking learning outdoors. Many teachers experience them the hard way. We set up a trail that takes a couple of hours to put together the night before and half an hour to set up in the...

Creating On-Going Dialogue and Change with Children

Jun 20, 2012 | Literacy Outdoors

At the weekend I was facilitating my final workshop of the school year at the Aberdeen Early Years Conference. The theme was Going Out to Play with Fred the Ted – Creating On-going Dialogue with Children. It was a fitting end to a busy year, in that it was an...