Looking for a meaningful way to teach counting in powers of 10 while embracing outdoor learning? At The Muddy Puddle Teacher, we bring maths to life by taking it beyond the classroom and into the natural world.
Our Muddy Maths: Counting in Powers of 10 resource is designed to help teachers deliver the curriculum through hands-on, engaging outdoor experiences. Whether you’re teaching in EYFS, KS1, or KS2, this approach supports deeper understanding of place value through active exploration.
Outdoor learning allows children to physically group, scale, and manipulate objects — helping them truly understand what it means to count in 10s, 100s, and beyond. Explore more outdoor maths challenges with outdoor learning shape ideas pack KS2
What’s Included in the Counting in Powers of 10 Pack?
- A clear summary sheet with guidance on teaching counting in powers of 10
- Outdoor lesson plan ideas suitable for all weather conditions
- A Muddy Home Learning sheet to extend learning beyond school
Why Use Outdoor Learning to Teach Counting in Powers of 10?
Outdoor learning transforms abstract maths concepts into real-life experiences. Instead of simply writing numbers, children can:
- Group natural objects like sticks or stones into sets of 10
- Physically scale numbers up and down in powers of 10
- Explore patterns in place value through movement and play
- Build confidence through hands-on, sensory learning
This approach is especially effective for children who benefit from kinaesthetic and visual learning styles, including many learners with SEND.
Outdoor Learning Ideas for EYFS: Counting in Powers of 10
- Set a consistent time each day for outdoor learning
- Embrace messy, muddy play to increase engagement
- Use natural resources such as leaves, sticks, and stones for counting and grouping
By using outdoor learning in EYFS, children begin to build early number sense in a meaningful and memorable way.
Outdoor Learning Across Key Stages
KS2 Outdoor Learning and Powers of 10
Use short outdoor sessions or brain breaks to practise counting in powers of 10. Try a “Muddy Walk and Talk” where children scale numbers up and down while moving through the environment.
KS1 Outdoor Learning Ideas
Take counting and phonics outside. Use natural materials to create groups of 10 and introduce early place value concepts through play.
EYFS Outdoor Learning Approach
Create an accessible outdoor space with natural, open-ended resources. Reducing plastic and using materials like stones and leaves encourages creativity, imagination, and early mathematical thinking.
A Curriculum-Friendly Outdoor Learning Approach
Our resources support a wide range of curriculums, including:
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- National Curriculum (UK)
- Curriculum for Excellence (CfE)
- American curriculums
Because we focus on natural materials, any school or setting can easily adopt our outdoor learning approach.
Group Subscriptions for Schools and Nurseries
Looking to embed outdoor learning across your setting? We offer discounted group subscriptions for schools and nurseries. The more staff involved, the greater the savings. Explore more outdoor learning subscriptions.
Get in touch today to request a quote and start your journey with outdoor learning and counting in powers of 10.
Why Outdoor Learning Matters
Outdoor learning in primary schools is not just an addition to the curriculum — it is essential for supporting wellbeing, engagement, and deeper learning. Discover the ultimate outdoor learning guide KS2.
By teaching counting in powers of 10 through outdoor learning, you create opportunities for children to move, explore, and truly understand maths in a way that lasts. Now try teaching Capacity in KS2
