Outdoor Learning RE: Religious Education Outdoors for EYFS, KS1 and KS2
Religious Education can work beautifully outdoors because the natural environment creates opportunities for reflection, curiosity, symbolism, storytelling and meaningful discussion.
At The Muddy Puddle Teacher®, we believe outdoor RE should not be about turning the playground into a classroom.
Instead, the outdoors can help children explore big questions about belief, values, identity, community, celebration, responsibility, gratitude and the world around them.
Outdoor RE can support thoughtful conversation while giving children space to notice, reflect and express ideas in different ways.
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Looking for ready-to-use outdoor learning ideas?
Explore The Muddy Puddle Teacher® outdoor learning resources, training and membership and start taking more of your curriculum outdoors. You could also make a start by signing up to our FREE outdoor learning magazine.
If you are completely new to taking learning outside, start with our Beginner’s Guide to Outdoor Learning and then return here for everything you need to develop outdoor learning across school settings.
Outdoor RE in EYFS
In EYFS, Religious Education can begin through stories, celebrations, relationships, belonging and children’s curiosity about the world.
Outdoor spaces can provide gentle opportunities to talk about kindness, care, wonder and things that are special to different people. Learn more, read thiss handbook: Early Years Outdoors Guidance
EYFS Outdoor RE Idea: Things That Are Special
Take children outside and ask them to find something they think is special.
It might be a flower, stone, tree, feather or favourite place.
Ask:
Why is it special to you?
Can the same thing be special to different people for different reasons?
This can lead naturally into conversations about special objects, places and traditions in different religions and families.
EYFS Outdoor RE Idea: Wonder Walk
Take a slow walk around the outdoor area and ask children what makes them wonder.
They might notice clouds, insects, trees, birds or changing weather.
Use simple prompts such as:
What do you wonder about?
What do you think is amazing?
What questions would you like to ask?
This encourages curiosity and supports early discussion around beliefs about the world. Try Outdoor Learning Diwali Resources
Outdoor RE in KS1
In KS1, children can begin to explore how beliefs influence people’s lives and how religions use symbols, stories and special places.
Outdoor learning can help make abstract ideas more accessible. New to Outdoor Lessons in KS1? Head to the Outdoor Learning KS1 Hub.
KS1 Outdoor RE Idea: Symbols in Nature
Ask children to explore the grounds and find natural objects that could represent ideas such as peace, hope, friendship, growth or strength.
For example, a seed might represent growth, a circle of stones might represent community, a strong tree might represent strength.
Then compare these with symbols used in religious traditions.
Ask:
Why do people use symbols?
How can one object represent an idea?
KS1 Outdoor RE Idea: A Place for Reflection
Ask children to identify a place in the school grounds that feels peaceful or special.
Discuss what makes a place feel important.
This can lead into learning about sacred spaces and places of worship.
Ask:
Why might people want a special place for prayer or reflection?
Why not scedule a trip to a Mosque and take our School Trip Prompt Sheet with you.
Outdoor RE in KS2
In KS2, children can explore more complex questions around belief, meaning, morality, identity and responsibility.
Outdoor spaces can provide a calm setting for discussion and philosophical enquiry. Get more information in the KS2 Outdoor Learning Hub.
KS2 Outdoor RE Idea: Big Questions Walk
Place thought-provoking questions around the school grounds.
For example:
What makes a good person?
Why do people believe different things?
What does forgiveness mean?
Do humans have a responsibility to care for the natural world?
Children move between the questions, discuss them in pairs or small groups and then return to share ideas.
The aim is not to reach one correct answer.
The aim is to listen, reason and recognise different perspectives.
KS2 Outdoor RE Idea: Caring for Creation
Explore the school environment and ask children to consider how different religions and worldviews might understand responsibility towards nature.
Children could identify areas that are thriving and areas that could be improved.
Discuss themes such as stewardship, responsibility, gratitude and care.
Then ask:
What responsibility do we have towards the world around us?
Why might different people answer that question differently?
Want resources for Eid? Explore Outdoor Ideas for Eid Lesson Plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Learning RE
What is outdoor learning RE?
Outdoor learning RE involves using outdoor environments, nature, reflection and practical experiences to help children explore religious beliefs, values, symbols, stories and big questions.
What are some easy outdoor RE activities?
Simple ideas include wonder walks, reflection spaces, symbolism activities, gratitude walks, big-question trails and discussions about caring for the natural world.
Is outdoor RE suitable for EYFS?
Yes. EYFS children can explore ideas such as belonging, kindness, special places, celebrations and wonder through simple outdoor experiences and conversation.
What outdoor RE activities work well for KS1?
KS1 activities can include exploring symbols, identifying special places, discussing values, retelling religious stories outdoors and reflecting on ideas such as kindness, hope and community.
What outdoor RE activities work well for KS2?
KS2 pupils can explore philosophical questions, environmental responsibility, belief, morality, identity and different worldviews through outdoor discussion and enquiry.
Does outdoor RE need to focus on nature?
No. Nature can provide a useful context, but outdoor RE can also explore relationships, community, stories, symbols, values and philosophical questions.
Can outdoor RE include non-religious worldviews?
Yes. High-quality RE can include both religious and non-religious worldviews where this fits the school’s agreed syllabus and curriculum approach.
Is outdoor RE the same as collective worship?
No. Religious Education and collective worship are different. Outdoor RE should remain focused on learning about and from religions and worldviews.
Do outdoor RE activities need lots of equipment?
No. Most activities need very little. Natural objects, question cards, chalk, photographs or simple prompts are often enough.
What is the most important part of outdoor RE?
Thoughtful discussion.
The strongest outdoor RE activities give children space to ask questions, listen respectfully, consider different perspectives and explain their own ideas.