Jul 23, 2011 | Gardening, Science Outdoors, Technologies
NOTE: This shows an example of a tyre pond. All ELC settings need to consider location, access and the need for a cover. This pond was in my back garden. Many years ago, I made a pond from an old tyre that had been sitting in my garden for more than a year. I happened...
Jul 20, 2011 | Developing School Grounds & Outdoor Spaces
When planning to develop an outdoor playspace or school grounds, many practitioners are concerned about out of hours visitors and the possibility of vandalism to their area. Yuk! This graffiti isn’t even that arty! Last month, I listened to an interesting...
Jul 7, 2011 | Maths Outdoors
Recently, I observed a super lesson about angles. I knew things were looking up the moment I arrived in the classroom. To begin with, the teacher had this written on her board: If you look, the focus is on the maths. Very often, teachers assume that “outdoor...
Jul 4, 2011 | Play Resources
Outdoor seats are a necessity in most Scottish schools. To begin with, there are lots of wet surfaces owing to current or recent rain. Sitting on wet grass, tarmac or benches is unpleasant and often used as an excuse for not working outside. This “bag” is...
Jun 29, 2011 | Maths Outdoors
I am reluctant to force children outside to learn. I think it can breed resentment. Also in many schools in which I work, children do not often have the necessary clothing and footwear to stay warm and dry. Several months ago I walked into a Primary 7 (Y6) classroom...
