This small, Small Setting/Key Stage Outdoor Learning Training is designed for educators who want to transform their teaching practices through outdoor learning using the Muddy Puddle Teacher (MPT) approach. Delivered face-to-face, this comprehensive program provides hands-on experiences, practical strategies, and a collaborative environment to embed outdoor education across the curriculum.
Small Setting/Key Stage Outdoor Learning Training Overview
- Duration: Full-day (5 hours, including breaks). 9:30 – 2:30 pm
- Audience: All school staff, including teachers, teaching assistants, lunchtime supervisors, and support staff.
- Location: On-site at your school or chosen outdoor venue.
Download Whole School Training Prices
Training Goals
- Introduce the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach to outdoor learning.
- Equip staff with practical tools to deliver curriculum-aligned outdoor lessons, including maths and English or tailored subjects aligned to your school improvement plan.
- Foster a whole-school culture of outdoor education.
- Empower educators to adapt teaching methods for different ages and abilities, including Neurodivergent & EAL children.
- Build confidence in managing safety and risk outdoors.
Training Structure
Session 1: Introduction to Outdoor Learning (1 Hour)
- Topics Covered:
- Overview of the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach.
- Benefits of outdoor learning for physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
- Whole-school impact of embedding outdoor education.
- Interactive Activities:
- Icebreaker: “Nature Bingo” to explore the training venue.
- Group discussion on current outdoor practices and challenges.
- Inspirational stories
Session 2: Curriculum Integration Outdoors (1 Hour)
- Topics Covered:
- Linking outdoor activities to the national curriculum, curriculum for excellence.
- Subject-specific strategies for outdoor learning (math, literacy, science, art).
- Adapting lessons for different key stages.
- Hands-On Activities:
- Create and trial outdoor lessons in small groups using natural materials.
- Role-play: Deliver a mini outdoor lesson to peers for feedback.
Download Small Groups/Key Stage Prices
Session 3: Practical Outdoor Techniques (1 Hour)
- Topics Covered:
- Essential skills for outdoor learning: storytelling, sensory exploration, and play-based techniques.
- Using natural and low-cost resources.
- Managing diverse learning needs and behaviours outdoors.
- Hands-On Activities:
- Nature-based challenges: Create eco-art, solve outdoor puzzles, and explore sensory paths.
- Team-building games to foster collaboration and creativity.
Session 4: Risk Management and Safety Outdoors (45 Minutes)
- Topics Covered:
- Conducting risk assessments for outdoor activities.
- Seasonal considerations and adapting to changing environments.
- First aid and emergency planning for outdoor learning.
- Interactive Activities:
- Practice writing a risk assessment for a proposed outdoor activity.
- Group discussion: Troubleshooting potential challenges in outdoor settings.
Session 5: Building a Whole-School Outdoor Learning Culture (45 Minutes)
- Topics Covered:
- Strategies for implementing outdoor learning across the school.
- Creating a seasonal outdoor learning calendar.
- Engaging parents and the wider community in outdoor education.
- Collaborative Activity:
- Staff brainstorm: Develop an action plan for whole-school outdoor learning.
Training Resources Provided
Download Small Groups/Key Stage Price
- Muddy Puddle Teacher lesson templates for all subjects.
- Risk assessment and safety planning tools.
- Seasonal outdoor activity guides.
- Whole-school outdoor learning framework template.
Post-Training Follow-Up
- Certificate of Completion: For all participants.
- Access to Online Resources: Muddy Puddle Teacher digital toolkit for ongoing support.
- Optional Coaching Sessions: Book follow-up sessions to refine and evaluate outdoor learning practices.
Training Options
- Lite Package: 1-day INSET or Twilight training
- Pro Package: 1-day INSET or Twilight Training, 1-year subscription to the website resources for all staff, and 3 follow-up Zoom meetings.
- Premium Package: 1-day INSET or Twilight Training, 1-year subscription for all staff to the website resources, and 6 face-to-face follow-up meetings/training with curriculum specialists, early years, and SENCOs.
- Download Small Groups/Key Stage Prices
- Book a Discovery Call
- Ask us a Question
Maximizing Outdoor Learning in Small Settings and Key Stages
Outdoor learning is not just for large schools with sprawling fields. Even in small settings or for specific key stages, it offers endless opportunities for hands-on, creative, and meaningful education. By using the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach, educators can turn any space—whether a courtyard, small playground, or local park—into a dynamic outdoor classroom.
Let’s explore how small settings and key stage-specific training can make outdoor learning practical, impactful, and transformative for children and educators alike.
1. Why Outdoor Learning for Small Settings?
Small settings often have unique challenges, but they can also become perfect environments for focused, personalized outdoor learning. With the right strategies, educators can make the most of limited spaces while meeting curriculum goals (Edutopia).
2. Adapting Outdoor Learning for Key Stages
Outdoor learning needs to be tailored to different age groups to be effective. For example, KS1 learners thrive with sensory exploration and imaginative play, while KS2 students benefit from problem-solving and real-world applications (Outdoor Classroom Day).
3. Creative Use of Small Spaces
Small settings can shine with creativity. Use vertical gardens, chalk-drawn grids, or recycled materials to create multi-purpose learning zones. Even a single tree or bench can become a hub for storytelling or group discussions (Learning Through Landscapes).
4. Linking Outdoor Learning to the Curriculum
Outdoor learning doesn’t mean leaving the curriculum behind. Maths, literacy, and science can all come alive outdoors. For example, KS2 students can measure stick lengths for maths or study local habitats for science (BBC Bitesize).
5. Boosting Engagement in Small Groups
Small settings allow for more personalized teaching, making outdoor learning particularly effective. Teachers can focus on individual needs, especially for SEND or EAL learners, creating tailored activities that ensure every child thrives (Forest School Association).
6. Benefits of Nature-Based Learning for Key Stages
Outdoor learning enhances children’s mental and physical health, fostering creativity and resilience. KS1 children benefit from sensory-rich activities, while KS2 students develop critical thinking and teamwork skills (Children and Nature Network).
7. Cost-Effective Outdoor Learning
Small settings often work with limited budgets, but outdoor learning doesn’t need expensive materials. Natural resources like sticks, stones, and leaves are free and versatile, making them ideal tools for outdoor education (The Imagination Tree).
8. Sustainability and Environmental Education
Small settings can champion sustainability by integrating eco-friendly practices into outdoor learning. Teaching children to care for the environment, even in urban areas, builds responsibility and connection to nature (WWF UK Education Resources).
9. Building Confidence in Educators
Key stage outdoor learning training empowers educators with practical strategies to lead lessons outdoors confidently. Training provides tools to overcome challenges and maximize the potential of small spaces (Muddy Puddle Teacher).
10. Partnering with the Community
Small settings can partner with local parks, libraries, or community organizations to expand their outdoor learning opportunities. Collaborative efforts can enrich lessons and strengthen community connections (National Trust).
How to Get Started
- Training Matters: Invest in outdoor learning training tailored to small settings and key stages. Explore the Muddy Puddle Teacher’s courses for practical, adaptable solutions.
- Plan Smartly: Start with simple, manageable activities and scale up as you gain confidence.
- Involve Everyone: Engage staff, parents, and the community to support your outdoor learning initiatives.
