What does this resource include?
- 1 x CPD Handout
How can I use this resource?
Use this handy handout to give staff more information on outdoor learning and to highlight the benefits and research around this much-loved approach. Outdoor learning is a subjective area, and this handout explains its relevance to modern-day children’s lives.
What are the curriculum links?
- CPD
- Staff development
- Staff room resource
What other resources are like this?
What is Outdoor Learning?
Outdoor Learning has many variations. However, as experts in this area, we have our viewpoints. At MPT, outdoor learning is when an educator takes their curriculum outdoors to enhance the learning experience for the child, which cannot be achieved indoors. This does not have to be a leafy but an open outside space. Further to this, at MPT, we also encourage educators to use natural and upcycled items to be sustainable and to ensure lessons can happen all year long in any weather.
Why is Outdoor Learning Important?
In education, a mystical art known as outdoor learning has emerged to restore harmony within schools, countering the modern shift in children’s play. Long ago, young ones frolicked freely, guided by their whims and the treasures of nature, devoid of constant supervision and the lure of technology. These carefree escapades nurtured independence, kindled imagination, sparked creativity, and honed social adeptness in the hearts of the youth. As the winds of change swept through society, educators beheld a troubling shadow cast upon the mental, physical, and scholarly well-being of children. To remedy this educators are turning to outdoor education, offering children a sanctuary to cultivate these invaluable skills once more.
Outdoor learning teacher training
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How can MPT help Neurodivergent children?
The Muddy Puddle Teacher is the new way to learn outdoors, but how does it help neurodivergent children?
Well, look at it this way. State schools, in particular, are tackling many issues regarding making their classrooms more inclusive due to time, lack of training, class sizes, money and resources. So they think….but actually there is a tiny little, cheap and affordable way we could be more inclusive: by simply teaching more lessons in active ways, outdoors.
The outdoors only promotes active, open-ended learning opportunities due to the nature of the space and the added value of weather. This is a perfect platform for those children who are neurodivergent and flourish in active and creative lesson formats. Moving makes us all feel good; again, this is beneficial not only for your neurodivergent children but also for all children.
Furthermore, outdoor space also adds an element of space and freedom to explore, which can be very reassuring, calming, and relaxing for many children who feel comfortable learning. Plus, the sensory benefits of outdoor space are compelling for children who need to self-regulate or are over- or under-sensitive.
If you want to learn more about making your classroom more inclusive for SEND, please splash this way.
