Hand hygiene outdoors
Important note: The aim of this post is to clarify some of the terms used and to help practitioners create their own routines and procedures. However, always seek guidance from your regulatory bodies, local authority and environmental health officer in the first...Dunblane Nature Kindergarten – A transformation from traditional to nature-based practice
Several years ago, I spent a day at Dunblane Nature Kindergarten. It was an opportunity to share thinking and enjoy celebrating the journey of this childcare setting that values nature pedagogy and all that this encompasses. This blog post captures a process of change...Education Scotland Outdoor Learning Webinars FREE to view
Since the beginning of the new school year, Mairi Thomson and Mark Irwin, who both work for Education Scotland have been organising and running a series of webinars on a huge range of outdoor themes and subjects. There are more planned for 2021. My intention is to add...Out to Play 12: Caring for Our Outdoor Spaces
Today, the Early Learning and Childcare Directorate published Caring for Our Outdoor Spaces as part of their Out to Play series. This is a hefty document that is not designed to be read from cover-to-cover but to dip into as needed. In order to save practitioners...Welcome Back to School – An Outdoor Circle Time
All over Scotland, children are gearing up for their first few days back at school. So are the teachers. I always used to be a bag of nerves on my first day back, even when working in small schools and having the same children. However, reading a few books about...Significant Scottish Outdoor Learning and Play Documents
Advice note for hard-working educators and partner providers of outdoor learning and play: This list can appear overwhelming. Not every document is relevant for your day-to-day work with children and young people. Neither is this put together as a reading list. I put...Outdoor Classroom Day – 10 Reasons to Get Involved
Outdoor Classroom Day is fast approaching – Thursday 18th May. Naturally every day is a good day for learning and play outside but having a special day to celebrate the value of getting outside, is not to be missed. Here’s ten reasons to get...CAVE School – Early Booking Advised
After months of hard work, Juliet is delighted to let you know about her latest course – CAVE School (trademark pending). This is a truly unique course, both within the UK and internationally. This is the only CAVE School qualification of its kind...Buddhist Prayer Flags
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...10 Ways to Listen, Tune In and Simply Be
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...Crocus Reflections
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....12 tips – outdoor learning and play grants and funding
This post has been written to support the GRANTS page. It is written in good faith but much of it is down to personal experience and opinion. For expert advice then seek a person with professional fundraising expertise to assist you. A useful book to buy is The...What do you do when you don’t know what to do outdoors?
In Scotland we have Curriculum for Excellence Through Outdoor Learning. This document is integral to our curriculum. The three overarching statements summarise the expectations: “Our vision for outdoor learning in Scotland is that: All children and young people...Looking back to look forward to the New Year
A new year and new adventures. So, it’s back to school or nursery and with this comes the excitement of a new year and new beginnings. Whilst we make personal resolutions, perhaps it is time to make the most of this tradition and apply it in a reflective way to...10+ Ideas for parents who want to support outdoor learning and play
Whenever there is snow, I’ve found myself jumping from one side of the fence to another over outdoor matters. I’ve had queries from schools and teachers who’ve received complaints from parents because they’ve allowed children outside when...Indoor or wet breaks and lunchtimes
Often it’s not the big ideas that cause controversy but small decisions or actions that are seen to Really Matter to a group of people, be they children, parents, staff or the wider establishment. And wet breaks are one of those – to have or to have not?...Outdoor clothing boxes: involving children in trialling and purchasing outdoor clothing
One of the biggest issues is the provision of outdoor clothing. In Scottish nurseries this is one of the most significant changes I’ve witnessed since the early Noughties. It is now the norm not the exception for rain gear to be available so that all children...Should Children Wear High Visibility Vests?
Every now and then I am copied into a comment on a social media around the use of high-vis vests outside. In the education and childcare sectors, the subject seems to create much debate and discussion. In 2017 it was further fuelled by Amanda Spielman, the Ofsted...Outdoor Clothing in Schools, Early Learning and Childcare Settings
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”Scandinavian Proverb but also attributed to Billy Connelly and many others 🙂 It is interesting when you ask on social media what outdoor clothing to buy. Everyone has their own (often strong)...
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Recent Posts
Story Stones and Thinking SkillsA little stone can give a lot of empowerment in a funny sort of way.
Outdoor Toilets and ChildrenWhen children need to go they need to go!
Hand hygiene outdoorsRemoving one of the barriers to working outside with groups.
12 reasons to have stumps in your outdoor spaceStumped for ideas? Check out this blog post about why every school needs a stump or several!
Dunblane Nature Kindergarten – A transformation from traditional to nature-based practiceFantastic example of positive impact of nature-based practice.
Legacy and LossWhat’s your professional and personal impact?
Education Scotland Outdoor Learning Webinars FREE to viewLots of free outdoor learning webinars all in one place from Education Scotland
Out to Play 12: Caring for Our Outdoor SpacesJust published. Time-saving links and a download.
Compass Points – Outdoor Suggestions15+ ways to learn about compass directions – all in a download.
7 Conker Games and AdviceEvery school needs a conker tree
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- @SunnysideSA @satrust_ @30DaysWild @Muddyfaces @cosydirect @NottsOutdoors Great fun! I think I first saw this and t… https://t.co/w0Suo1j78g
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