Home 9 Outdoor Learning Resources 9 LKS2 9 English (LKS2) 9 Positional Language (Outdoors)
positional language

Positional Language (Outdoors)

Exploring Positional Language Outdoors in EYFS

Teaching positional language is a fundamental part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Positional language includes words like “above,” “below,” “next to,” “in front of,” and “behind,” which help children describe the location of objects and their relation to other objects. Using the outdoor environment to teach these concepts can make learning more dynamic and engaging. This blog will explore various strategies for teaching positional language outdoors, highlighting resources and the Muddy Puddle Teacher (MPT) approach.

Benefits of Outdoor Learning for Positional Language

Enhanced Engagement: Being outdoors can captivate children’s interest and make learning more enjoyable. The natural environment provides a variety of real-world contexts to apply positional language.

Physical Activity: Outdoor learning encourages movement, which can help reinforce positional language as children physically move objects or themselves to different positions.

Sensory Experience: The diverse sensory stimuli in an outdoor setting can enhance children’s understanding and retention of new vocabulary.

Forces and Magnets Year 3

Activities to Teach Positional Language Outdoors

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Activity: Organize a scavenger hunt where children have to find items based on positional clues. For example, “Find a leaf that is under the tree” or “Look for a rock that is next to the bench.”

Resources:

2. Obstacle Courses

Activity: Set up an obstacle course where children must navigate using positional instructions. For example, “Go around the tree, then crawl under the rope.”

Resources:

3. Storytelling with Natural Objects

Activity: Use natural objects like sticks, leaves, and stones to create stories. Encourage children to place objects in specific positions relative to each other. For example, “Place the stick under the leaf.”

My Wild Spring Book

Resources:

4. Positional Games

Activity: Play games that require understanding and using positional language. Games like “Simon Says” with positional commands can be both fun and educational.

Resources:

Integrating the Muddy Puddle Teacher (MPT) Approach

The Muddy Puddle Teacher (MPT) approach emphasizes outdoor, hands-on, and sensory-rich learning experiences. Here are some MPT resources to help integrate positional language learning outdoors:

  1. Outdoor Maths Lessons
  2. Nature-Based Learning Activities
  3. Seasonal Outdoor Activities
  4. Interactive Learning Games
  5. Forest School Techniques

Conclusion

Teaching positional language outdoors in EYFS can significantly enhance children’s learning experiences. The natural environment provides endless opportunities for exploration and application of new vocabulary in meaningful contexts. By incorporating activities like scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, storytelling, and games, educators can make learning positional language fun and engaging. The Muddy Puddle Teacher approach offers additional resources and techniques to further enrich outdoor learning experiences.

For more information and resources, explore these external links:

By leveraging these resources and integrating the MPT approach, educators can create a dynamic and effective learning environment for teaching positional language in EYFS. Happy teaching!

You need a subscription to download this file. Log in/Upgrade or Sign up. Feel free to Send us a message if you need help.

Whats new

Top 100 Outdoor Learning Activities

Top 100 Outdoor Learning Activities

Outdoor learning is an impactful and joyful way to educate children, helping them build real-world skills through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. Inspired by The Muddy Puddle Teacher, we've compiled the ultimate list of 100 outdoor learning activities...

Top 10 Outdoor Learning Ideas 2025

Top 10 Outdoor Learning Ideas 2025

Top 10 Outdoor Learning Ideas 2025 is no longer just a fun break from the classroom—it's a powerful educational tool that promotes academic success, physical health, mental well-being, and environmental awareness. Whether you're an educator looking to enrich your...

Outdoor Learning I Spy & Talk

Outdoor Learning I Spy & Talk

Outdoor Learning “I Spy and Talk”Build language, observation, and connection through nature play. Turn every outdoor moment into a rich language-building opportunity with our “I Spy and Talk” printable resource. Designed for EYFS, KS1, and SEN learners, this engaging...

Earth Day Design

Earth Day Design

🌍 Earth Day Design Sheet – Inspire Eco-Creativity in Your Classroom Bring creativity and environmental awareness together with the Earth Day Design Sheet – a fun and engaging resource that encourages primary-aged pupils to think like young changemakers. Perfect for...

What Is Outdoor Learning INSET Days?

What Is Outdoor Learning INSET Days?

🌿 What Is Outdoor Learning INSET? Why Every School Should Consider It If your school is exploring new ways to boost engagement, wellbeing, and creativity, there’s one powerful approach gaining attention—Outdoor Learning INSET. But what exactly is outdoor learning...