We all know that fresh air can work wonders for children—but heading outdoors with your entire class can feel a little intimidating at first. Whether you’re planning a quick outdoor session or hoping to embed outdoor learning more regularly, these five simple tips will help make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
1. Start Small
You don’t need a huge outdoor space to begin. Try a short activity in the playground, school garden, or even a nearby patch of grass. For example, you could do a 10-minute ‘nature colour hunt’ where children find items that match different colours. Once you’re comfortable managing the group outside, you can gradually expand the length and complexity of your lessons.
2. Set Expectations
Before stepping out, set clear ground rules with your class. Make sure everyone understands the boundaries, how they should behave, and what the learning goal is. Having a whistle or a clear signal can help get attention quickly when needed. It’s completely normal for the first few sessions to feel a bit tricky, but don’t be put off—it becomes much easier and more natural with practice.
3. Prepare a Basic Kit
Having a ready-to-go kit makes outdoor lessons much easier. Essentials might include clipboards, pencils, a few magnifying glasses, wipes, a basic first aid kit, and a bin bag for collecting natural finds. You’ll soon figure out what extras your group needs most often.
4. Be Weather Wise
Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, so encourage students to dress in layers and bring waterproofs and wellies. It’s worth keeping a few spares at school if possible. Remember, a bit of drizzle doesn’t have to stop the fun!
5. Build in Reflection Time
Once back indoors, allow your students time to reflect on what they did and learned. This might be through discussion, drawing, or writing about their experience. It helps reinforce that learning outside is every bit as valuable as classroom time.
Looking for inspiration and ready-made outdoor learning resources? Visit www.educateoutside.com to get started!
