Mar 7, 2023 | Gardening, Nature Play & Learning, RME Outdoors
The daffodils are beginning to make an appearance in North-East Scotland. This beautiful plant is a welcome sign of spring’s arrival and a great opportunity to celebrate its old and new traditions and folklore. Here are some ways to enjoy and explore the beauty...
Feb 16, 2023 | Gardening, RME Outdoors, Social Subjects Outdoors
Whilst in Japan, I had the opportunity to visit several exquisite gardens. Japanese gardens have been influenced by the Shinto love of nature and the Buddhist idea of paradise. Most gardens appear to share a common aim of creating a microcosm. Elements such as water,...
Feb 15, 2023 | RME Outdoors, Whole School
As a Scottish primary teacher, I have to teach Religious and Moral Education which includes learning about other religions, not simply Christianity. Often people wonder how religious education can undertaken outdoors. It is easy to forget that the main world...
Feb 14, 2023 | Community Involvement, Early Years Outdoors, RME Outdoors
A long time ago I visited the Kagyu Samye Ling Buddhist Monastery and World Centre for Peace and Health. Whilst walking around the Peace Garden, I came across the Clootie Tree. It was impossible to ignore such was the blaze of colour and vibrancy even on that...
Feb 13, 2023 | Health & Wellbeing, RME Outdoors, Whole School
I have noticed that if children of all ages are given enough time to freely play in a natural setting, then at some point, they will sit or stand and just be for a while. They seem to tune into the environment, the sights, sounds, smells and feelings. I tend not to...
Feb 5, 2023 | Gardening, Nature Play & Learning, RME Outdoors, Whole School
When the crocus appears, it’s a positive indication that spring is on its way. Snowdrop is the lead flower in letting us know that winter’s days are numbered. But crocus is the follower that affirms the decision of snowdrop to rear its head above the snow....
Dec 30, 2022 | Nature Play & Learning, RME Outdoors
At this time of year, I look forward to the New Year and think about the future and what it brings. The tradition of making resolutions remains strong although apparently we are not very good at keeping a resolution! For some children working out the different between...
Dec 3, 2022 | Literacy Outdoors, RME Outdoors, Social Subjects Outdoors
Metasaga is a beautiful framework for interpreting and revisiting a familiar local environment for children and adults of all ages. It was developed by Kate Coutts in the early Noughties. Basically the approach aims to promote discussion and create links and...
Dec 2, 2022 | Early Years Outdoors, Literacy Outdoors, Nature Play & Learning, RME Outdoors, Science Outdoors
In 2005 I planted a holly tree in front of my house. It has grown slowly but steadily and since 2014 has consistently produced berries being a female tree. This does surprise me because there are no holly trees that I can see nearby. My understanding is that the...
Nov 10, 2022 | Maths Outdoors, RME Outdoors, Technologies
The run-up to the end of this term is usually a hectic event. In between the parties and performances, there’s lots going on. It also means that using the festive opportunities to recap and review work undertaken earlier can be one way of working a little...
Nov 9, 2022 | Community Involvement, Early Years Outdoors, Personal & Holidays, RME Outdoors, Technologies
One of my favourite aspects of the festive season are Christmas lights. In my blog of Christmas activities, I mention the joys of going for a walk when sun goes down and the lights go on. As a child, looking at all the window displays and Christmas trees lit up...
Nov 8, 2022 | Nature Play & Learning, RME Outdoors
Many years ago I attended the annual Outdoor and Woodland Learning Scotland conference. It took place in Dunkeld, which is one of the places in Scotland to see the leaves change colour and become immersed in the beauty of Autumn. Perhaps my favourite activity was a...
Nov 6, 2022 | Early Years Outdoors, RME Outdoors
Here’s a few simple outdoor learning and play suggestions to do that can be easily squeezed into the hectic schedules in schools and pre-schools in the run up to Christmas. No more cabin fever. Let’s get out, get more sustainable and get going with free or...
Nov 5, 2022 | RME Outdoors, Social Subjects Outdoors, Technologies, Whole School
30th November – St Andrew’s Day – is regarded as Scotland’s National Day. Increasing number of people living in Scotland make the most of the day to celebrate Scottish traditions and culture. I rather like that Saint Andrew is the...
Oct 15, 2022 | Community Involvement, RME Outdoors, Whole School
Halloween is a day where dressing up and having fun outside is celebrated. The origins of this festival are a matter of debate but this article is a useful starting point for any teacher wishing to acknowledge the cultural or religious connections. It is...
Jun 1, 2016 | Art & Music Outdoors, Community Involvement, RME Outdoors
Every cloud has a silver lining. As I was unable to travel back home this past weekend, I stayed in the Peak District and savoured the fine weather. From a fellow traveller, I learned about the well dressing custom that is rife in Derbyshire and decided to visit...
Oct 7, 2015 | Community Involvement, RME Outdoors, Social Subjects Outdoors
In 2014 I posted about the love locks I came across in Vilnius. I’ve kept this post much as it is and have left it down below. Not long afterwards, whilst working at St James Primary School in Caerphilly, I discovered a lovely twist on this tradition,...
Oct 12, 2014 | Art & Music Outdoors, Early Years Outdoors, Nature Play & Learning, RME Outdoors
Recently I was visiting the The Lost Gardens of Heligan. In the entrance, was the beautiful hanging decoration. Upon closer inspection, it contained a range of autumn finds: Beside the hanging decoration was a notice which asked visitors to collect the colours of...
Aug 11, 2014 | Community Involvement, Gardening, RME Outdoors
A couple of months ago, I was passing through Elgin and took the opportunity to visit the Biblical Garden, which is the only one of its kind in Scotland. Having never visited before, I was rather intrigued to find out more. They are known for housing some...
May 18, 2014 | Art & Music Outdoors, Gardening, Health & Wellbeing, RME Outdoors, Social Subjects Outdoors
There is something very poignant about seeing a single flower, such as the image of a red poppy at Flander’s Field and knowing its role in Remembrance Sunday and its story associated with The Great War. Over the years, flowers have become associated with...
