Exploring Light, Shadow and Darkness Through Play
Light and Dark KS1: Outdoor Learning Ideas is a practical, outdoor-first resource designed to help teachers explore the theme of light and dark through hands-on, child-led learning. Using the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach, this pack supports meaningful learning across the KS1 curriculum through real experiences with sunlight, shadow, shade, and darkness — without worksheets, tables, or pressure to produce perfect outcomes.
All activities are designed to take place outdoors and use simple, reusable resources such as hoops, bamboo, chalk and chalk pens, cones, ropes, fabric, and natural materials. Children learn by noticing changes, investigating shadows, moving through light and dark spaces, and talking about how environments feel and change.
What’s Included
Outdoor learning activities organised by KS1 curriculum subject areas, including:
English
Maths
Science
Art & Design
Computing (unplugged)
Design & Technology
Geography
History
Music
PE
RE
PSHE / RSE
At least three outdoor lesson ideas per subject
Clear guidance to support child-led exploration and talk
Activities suitable for Year 1 and Year 2, with flexibility for mixed abilities
Why This Pack Works
Fully aligned with KS1 curriculum expectations, taught outdoors
Uses natural light, shade, and shadow as learning tools
Encourages curiosity, movement, observation, and discussion
Inclusive and suitable for SEND-friendly practice
Low-prep and low-cost, using resources schools already have
Learning Through Light and Dark
This resource supports children’s development in:
Scientific enquiry and observation
Vocabulary and descriptive language
Early maths through measuring and comparing
Creativity and expressive arts
Physical development and spatial awareness
Emotional wellbeing and confidence
Perfect For
KS1 classrooms
Science topics on light and dark
Outdoor learning and forest school sessions
Inclusive and SEND-friendly settings
Teachers looking for meaningful, pressure-free learning outdoors
Light and Dark KS1: Outdoor Learning Ideas gives teachers permission to step back and gives children the space to explore, question, move, and wonder — turning everyday light and shadow into powerful, curriculum-linked learning.
