Inspire young learners with this engaging resource pack featuring 6 outdoor activity ideas themed around the life and legacy of Florence Nightingale. Designed specifically for Key Stage 1, these activities help children explore key historical concepts while enjoying meaningful learning experiences outside the classroom.

Each activity links to areas of the History, Science, and PSHE curricula, encouraging children to think critically, work collaboratively, and make connections between past and present.

What’s Included:

• Six outdoor activity ideas inspired by Florence Nightingale

• Clear step-by-step instructions for each task

• Suggested materials and flexible adaptations

• Thought-provoking discussion prompts for reflection and deeper learning

Sample Activities:

• Create a “lamp trail” to understand Florence’s work during night shifts.

• Carry out a hands-on hygiene experiment to explore the importance of cleanliness.

• Build a field hospital role-play area using outdoor materials.

• Organise a timeline scavenger hunt to sequence key events in her life

• Use natural items to explore the concept of clean versus dirty environments.

• Perform a short dramatic reenactment of a moment from Florence’s story.

Perfect for:

• KS1 teachers and teaching assistants

• Outdoor learning sessions

• History enrichment days or cross-curricular projects

• Forest school and home education environments

Take learning beyond the classroom and help children connect with the story of Florence Nightingale in a creative and memorable way.

Exploring Florence Nightingale in KS1: Outdoor Learning That Shines

Introducing Florence Nightingale in KS1 through outdoor-based activities brings her legacy to life for young learners. Children aged 5–7 instantly connect with her story as the “Lady with the Lamp,” a pioneer of modern nursing and a champion of hygiene, empathy, and innovation.

Why Florence Nightingale Works Brilliantly Outdoors for KS1

• Hands-on engagement builds deeper understanding—like role-playing her famous nighttime rounds or creating simple hygiene experiments to explore cleanliness.

• Cross-curricular links to History (learning about a significant individual), Science (hygiene and health), and PSHE (compassion and care).

• Memorable experiences in real settings—cycling through lamp trails, planting “hospital gardens,” or arranging a field hospital in the playground—help cement her inspiring legacy.

Discover Resources & Inspiration

• The Muddy Puddle Teacher’s Outdoor Learning Resources offers rich, educator-tested ideas perfect for your Florence Nightingale theme—browse their Outdoor Learning Resources category for creative inspiration.
  🔗 Explore outdoor learning ideas from The Muddy Puddle Teacher

• Florence Nightingale Museum provides high-quality, free KS1 learning materials—such as booklets, worksheets, and interactive downloads—to support and enhance your lesson plans University of Nottingham hosts the “Florence Nightingale Comes Home” resource, ideal for adapting classroom or outdoor lessons that explore her life and impact nottingham.ac.uk.

Outdoor Activity Ideas to Get You Started

1. Lamp Trail: Children follow a trail of lanterns, answering simple questions about Florence’s night shifts to reflect on care and dedication.

2. Handwashing Experiment: Simulate germs using glitter or washable paint to show why Florence emphasised cleanliness.

3. Field Hospital Play: Use sticks and blankets to role-play a Crimean hospital—kids practise caring roles.

4. Garden Sorting Activity: Collect natural items and separate them into “clean” vs. “dirty” bins as a discussion starter on sanitation.

5. Timeline Treasure Hunt: Hide event cards (e.g., Birthday 1820, Crimean War 1854) around outdoors for children to sequence.

6. Outdoor Drama: Stage a short scene—like Florence’s night rounds—to deepen empathy and historical connection.

Benefits for KS1 Pupils

✅ Engages multiple learning styles—visual, kinesthetic, auditory—as children move, discuss, and create.
✅ Develops social and emotional skills, encouraging teamwork and empathy.
✅ Supports curriculum goals with powerful, character-focused stories that link past and present.

If you’re ready to bring Florence Nightingale KS1 lessons outdoors in a memorable, curriculum-aligned way, our 6 Florence Nightingale Outdoor Learning Ideas (KS1) resource pack is the perfect addition.

🔍 To explore more teaching tools, visit The Muddy Puddle Teacher’s outdoor learning page.

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