Outdoor Learning Blog
Kids Learn Better When They’re Muddy
In schools, things are changing. With a decades-long legacy of insisting that children can only learn in a formal classroom setting, it would seem that the worm is turning. At The Muddy Puddle Teacher, we’re leading this change from the front, worms and all.
Education is returning to basics by leaving the classroom for great outdoor spaces and the benefits are palpable. The Muddy Puddle Teacher approach combines the best of curriculum-based learning with natural tools, such as sticks and stones, with the passing seasons and weathers.
With a rising number of schools investing in outdoor learning, it’s clear to the team at The Muddy Puddle that they’re on the right track, but it’s also clear that they need to reach as many children as possible. With a growing number of UK schools adopting the Muddy Puddle approach and advocates from schools in the US, Canada and Australia, CEO of The Muddy Puddle Teacher, Sarah Seaman, invites more schools to get in touch. Sarah comments, “I have been a teacher for over a decade and I know what it’s like to stand at the front of the classroom and try to bring 30 different little minds along with you. Formal classroom teaching doesn’t suit everyone, but every child excels when they move to the outdoor learning space. I’ve worked hard to make the approach work for any school setting, from an idyllic country village to an inner–city school, with only a small outdoor space. Every child will grow and benefit from this approach – let’s make a difference to as many little lives as possible.”
Forest school-style learning will get classes outside but it can be hard to do this for short periods – and this is where Muddy Puddle Teacher is different. With a ready-to-go programme that can be rolled out at any school, Muddy Puddle Teacher places children face-to-face with the natural world and equips them with natural and upcycled resources to learn with.
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The new way to do Outdoor Learning
EYFS | KS1 | KS2
The new way to do Outdoor Learning
Teacher Training | Teaching Resources
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 – Take 10-minute slots or brain breaks 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.
