Over the last 10 years we have worked with pupils and teachers who have never been outside for their lessons. These children often get giddy when outside the classroom; teachers often wonder how they’ll keep their class on task, how to use the grounds available and what resources to use and how to reflect the learning achieved.
We’ve put together some useful training videos and supporting guidance that share our experience to get you going if you’re new to outdoor learning, and to help plan ahead for taking your class outside.
Managing class behaviour
Grow to School research reveals that the prime concern for teachers on taking their class outside is behaviour. This video is designed to support any teacher take any class outside with tips and tricks to ensure everyone, including you, benefits from being outdoors.
The whistle game
A firm favorite with us, children and teachers. This simple game is invaluable for settling a class outside and getting them ready for learning.
Teamwork
In this video we explore how teamwork can be improved and supported to ensure that everyone stays on task, engaged and enjoying their learning.
Challenging behaviour
This video offers ideas and practical solutions to help support children who struggle to regulate their emotions while outside. Being outside has so many health and well-being benefits, but for some, the additional adrenaline rush is too much and they can become unruly. With a variety of ideas to help you support them and prevent a crisis, with the aim that everyone can reap the benefits of being outside.
Deepening learning
This video explores ways to encourage a deeper learning experience when outside. Designed for teachers and classes who are used to being outside, it also highlights the benefits of regular outdoor learning. The children in this video have had weekly lessons for the whole of key stage 2 and their teamwork and engagement is impressive.
Top ten tips for successful outdoor learning
A little planning helps any outdoor activities run a lot more smoothly. Take a look at our top ten tips for making your outdoor learning a success.
Working in playgrounds
This video demonstrates how having little or no green space does not reduce the experience for your class. Being outside anywhere offers great opportunities to get creative and stimulate young imaginations.
Evidencing work
This video demonstrates how, by using photographs and cheap white shower curtains, you can evidence the children’s outdoor work indoors.
Modelling
This video demonstrates how Teach it Outside lesson and associated work sheets support the process of modelling when your class is working outside.
Clothing, equipment, and useful resources for outdoor learning
Most of the resources you may need to use Teach it Outside lessons plans are no different than those you use indoors and are readily available in school. Thinking outdoor clothing can be daunting but we suggest keeping it simple.
Find out more Clothing, equipment, and useful resources for outdoor learning
Risk benefit approach to risk assessments
A risk benefit approach allows you to involve your class in talking through the potential risks of an activity before they do it. Over time they learn to self -regulate and make their own appropriate choices in “risky” situations.
General guidelines for using natural materials
Working with natural materials fires the children’s imagination, they enjoy it, the results are beautiful, it connects them with the environment, expands their vocabulary, and enhances their learning experience. Read our simple guidelines.
Find out more General guidelines for using natural materials
