The Muddy Puddle Teacher (MPT) approach emphasises a hands-on, outdoor curriculum linked to building resilience, creativity, and a love for learning. This Level 1 Outdoor Learning Award will introduce fundamental principles of outdoor education while embedding the MPT philosophy and how to enhance academic subjects by taking them outdoors!
Course Costs
- £10.00 one-off payment. Enrol Now.
- Schools can pay by invoice. UK Schools can use sports and pupil premium Start Now
Course Goals
- Introduce educators to outdoor learning principles and benefits.
- Empower educators to deliver outdoor activities safely and creatively.
- Foster an appreciation for nature and sustainability.
- Develop basic outdoor teaching skills rooted in the MPT approach.
Course Timeline
- Enrol Now and start your Level 1 Outdoor Learning Award
- 1/2 hours of learning. 1 year to access the course.
Course Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Outdoor Learning
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of outdoor learning.
- Explore the benefits of nature-based education.
- Familiarise yourself with the Muddy Puddle Teacher ethos.
- Key Topics:
- What is outdoor learning?
- Overview of the Muddy Puddle approach.
- Nature and sensory-based education benefits.
- Building resilience and independence outdoors.
Module 2: Planning for Outdoor Learning
- Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to design a natural curriculum learning activity.
- Pathways for early years, infant, juniors and secondary.
- Understand risk assessment and safety considerations.
- Key Topics:
- Structuring outdoor sessions (warm-up, main activity, reflection).
- Seasonal adaptability: Leveraging different weather and environments.
- Safety and risk management in outdoor settings.
Module 3: Muddy Puddle Activities
- Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to incorporate MPT principles into diverse activities.
- Promote play-based learning through nature.
- Key Topics:
- “Muddy hands, happy hearts”: Encouraging tactile exploration.
- Activities by themes: Math, literacy, art, and science outdoors.
- Inclusivity and differentiation in outdoor learning
Module 4: Building Relationships and Reflection
- Learning Objectives:
- Strengthen relationships through collaborative activities.
- Encourage reflection and mindfulness in outdoor settings.
- Key Topics:
- Team-building games and cooperative challenges.
- Mindfulness and grounding techniques for children.
- Reflection strategies: Journals, storytelling, and peer sharing.
Course Resources
- Muddy Puddle Teacher lesson templates and activity cards.
- Seasonal outdoor learning calendar.
- Risk assessment and safety guidelines.
Conclusion
Participants who complete the course will:
- Receive a Level 1 Outdoor Learning Award certificate.
- Gain confidence in delivering outdoor education sessions.
- Access a toolkit of Muddy Puddle Teacher activities for future use.
- Enrol Now and start your Level 1 Outdoor Learning Award
The Importance of Earning the Level 1 Outdoor Learning Award with the Muddy Puddle Teacher Approach
In a world where screens dominate our attention and children spend less time outdoors than ever before, the need for engaging, hands-on learning experiences in nature is more critical than ever. The Level 1 Outdoor Learning Award, inspired by the Muddy Puddle Teacher (MPT) approach, provides educators, parents, and community leaders with the tools to connect learners with the environment meaningfully.
Explore why this certification matters and how the MPT philosophy makes it uniquely effective.
1. Encourages Active, Experiential Learning
Outdoor learning boosts physical activity while integrating real-world lessons into the curriculum. The MPT approach turns mud, sticks, and leaves into dynamic teaching tools, ensuring children learn while moving and engaging their senses. Research shows that active, experiential learning enhances retention and understanding (Edutopia).
Earning the Level 1 Outdoor Learning Award will give you the skills to design activities that keep kids moving and learning simultaneously, fostering healthier and happier students.
Enrol Now and start your Level 1 Outdoor Learning Award
2. Promotes Resilience and Independence
Outdoor learning encourages children to embrace challenges, problem-solve, and develop self-reliance. These are critical life skills, and nature is the perfect environment to cultivate them. The MPT approach highlights child-led learning, where kids take ownership of their experiences (Outdoor Classroom Day).
Completing this course equips you to create settings where children feel empowered to explore, try, fail, and try again—a vital step toward building resilience.
3. Develops Environmental Stewardship
The Muddy Puddle Teacher ethos revolves around fostering a love for nature and a commitment to sustainability. Through eco-friendly practices and nature-based activities, learners develop a deeper understanding of environmental conservation (WWF’s Education Resources).
The Level 1 Outdoor Learning Award helps educators teach children to appreciate and protect the environment, integrating concepts like biodiversity, waste reduction, and habitat preservation.
4. Supports Mental Health and Wellbeing
With rising rates of anxiety and stress among children, outdoor learning has become a proven antidote to these challenges. Being in nature lowers cortisol levels, improves focus, and boosts mood (National Trust).
By embracing the MPT method, certified practitioners bring mindfulness and reflection into outdoor education. Simple activities like sensory walks and mud play promote calmness and emotional regulation.
5. Aligns with the National Curriculum
The Level 1 Award isn’t just about playing outdoors; it’s about weaving nature into core subjects like math, literacy, science, and art. The MPT approach aligns with national education standards, ensuring children meet innovative learning outcomes (Gov.uk: Outdoor Learning Guidance).
For example, counting leaves or solving outdoor puzzles integrates math, while storytelling circles build literacy skills—all while kids immerse themselves in nature.
6. Cultivates Creativity
Creativity often takes a backseat in classrooms in an age of standardised testing. Outdoor learning reawakens imagination and curiosity. Children flourish in creative expression, whether building a stick fort, creating mud paintings, or role-playing as forest explorers (Creative STAR Learning).
The Level 1 Award trains participants to foster imaginative thinking in outdoor settings, helping children rediscover the joy of unstructured play.
7. Strengthens Social Skills
Outdoor group activities build teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills. The MPT approach integrates team challenges and nature-based games that teach children how to work together toward common goals (Learning Through Landscapes).
Certified outdoor educators learn how to design sessions that strengthen bonds between students, laying the foundation for strong social-emotional learning.
8. Accessible and Inclusive
One of the strengths of the MPT approach is its accessibility. Activities require minimal resources—sticks, mud, leaves, and imagination—making outdoor learning affordable and inclusive for all (Forest School Association).
The Level 1 Award equips participants with the skills to adapt activities for diverse abilities, ensuring every child can enjoy and benefit from outdoor learning.
9. Enhances Professional Development
For educators and leaders, earning the Level 1 Outdoor Learning Award showcases a commitment to innovative teaching practices. It enhances your credentials and opens opportunities to collaborate with like-minded professionals (Outdoor Learning Research).
Certified MPT practitioners join a growing community passionate about transforming education through nature.
10. Fosters Lifelong Connections with Nature
Most importantly, the MPT approach and Level 1 Award lay the foundation for children to build a lifelong bond with the natural world. This connection is critical for mental health, environmental advocacy, and happiness (Children and Nature Network).
Completing this course’ll inspire the next generation to cherish and protect the planet.
Take the Leap
The Level 1 Outdoor Learning Award, rooted in the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach, is a gateway to transforming education through nature. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or community leader, this certification empowers you to create impactful outdoor learning experiences.
Don’t just teach—ignite curiosity, creativity, and a love for the world outside. Visit the Muddy Puddle Teacher website to get started on your journey today!
