So what are the differences? Forest School and The Muddy Puddle Approach
A full description of forest school can be found on the FSA. An association trying very hard to keep the approach as pure to its roots!
However, as teachers, we found keeping to the ‘pure’ forest school approach was difficult. Money, large groups, lack of resources, time and land were all issues. But we LOVE outdoor learning. This was a big reason as to why the founder, Sarah, created The Muddy Puddle Teacher Approach. She understood that Forest School should continue to be just that and we do believe its incredible and ALL schools should do it. But we also know that schools will do it but will be limited to how much of it they could. So our approach is to go alongside Forest School and for those schools unable to go outside so we can get more children outside.
Our approach has focused a lot on manageability and sustainability. How we can do more outdoor learning without putting a strain on the teachers and how we can teach more eco-friendly ways and start the process of removing plastics in schools.
We have done this by linking to the curriculum and using only natural and up-cycle resources when we teach.
We link to the curriculum and use natural and up-cycled resources.
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The Muddy Puddle Teacher ®
The new way to do Outdoor Learning
EYFS | KS1 | KS2
Here are 3 top outdoor learning ideas to get you started :
- Make sure the children have the right clothing – bring a muddy bag in or dress for mud that day!
- Make it messy and muddy – why not you are outside!
- Stick to natural resources – less clearing up for you and more kind to the environment.
Our muddy resources support all curriculums and we use only natural resources so any school, anywhere can use our approach. Including Early Years Framework, NC, CfE, American Curriculums.
Looking for a group subscription? We offer big reductions for schools and nurseries that book in groups. The more staff the more the discount per person. Click here for a quote.
Outdoor learning in primary schools is an essential way to bring wellbeing to the classroom.
Here are some muddy top tips to make a start in each key stage.
- Outdoor Learning KS2 – Try taking 10-minute slots or brain breaks in between sessions. Do the Muddy Walk and Talk and just use it for general discussion or chat.
- Outdoor Learning KS1 – Try taking phonics games outside. Choose a sound and use leaves
- Outdoor Learning EYFS – If you can make sure there is an outside space that is accessible and start to reduce the plastic and have more natural objects. Such as leaves they can write on, stones to do art with. Strip back the made plastic objects and keep natural for optimum imagination and creative skills to be used.
- Outdoor Learning KS2 – Try taking 10-minute slots or brain breaks in between sessions. Do the Muddy Walk and Talk and just use it for general discussion or chat.
- Outdoor Learning KS1 – Try taking phonics games outside. Choose a sound and use leaves
- Outdoor Learning EYFS – If you can make sure there is an outside space that is accessible and start to reduce the plastic and have more natural objects. Such as leaves they can write on, stones to do art with. Strip back the made plastic objects and keep natural for optimum imagination and creative skills to be used.
For more outdoor learning ideas for primary schools, sign up for FREE! If it is active learning you are looking for try GoNoodle a great way to get kids moving inside the class.
Watch the MPT safety videos to help you practice the best outdoor learning methods. These videos are also useful for those practising forest school.
Search for more outdoor learning resources : Babies (0-2) | Tots (2-4) | EYFS (4-5) | KS1(5-7) | LKS2( 7-9) | UKS2 (9-11) | Special Needs
For Training head to: Accredited Training | Short Certificate Courses
Have you also checked: Outdoor Ebooks | Assembly Packs | Home Learning Packs | Safety Support | Special Outdoor Events
- Support Outdoor Learning charities and head to Learning through Landscapes who can help with free outdoor learning ideas.
- Institute for Outdoor Learning are also a fabulous charity to refer to if you want to gather ideas for outdoor learning training and organisations.
- Look out for Green Flag Award to promote outdoor learning in primary schools through the muddy puddles approach.
