This whole school outdoor learning training session 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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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- 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.
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The Importance and Benefits of Whole-School Outdoor Learning
Outdoor learning isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a transformative approach to education that benefits children across all age groups and subjects. Implementing whole-school outdoor learning creates a culture of creativity, resilience, and collaboration beyond the classroom walls.
Let’s explore the importance of whole-school outdoor learning and its benefits for students, educators, and the broader community.
1. Enhances Academic Achievement
Outdoor learning integrates practical, hands-on experiences with academic subjects, making lessons more engaging and memorable. Studies show outdoor learning improves retention, problem-solving skills, and creativity (Education Endowment Foundation).
For example, math lessons that use natural resources like sticks and stones to round or measure turn abstract concepts into tangible experiences.
2. Improves Physical Health
Outdoor learning encourages movement, reduces sedentary behaviour and promotes physical fitness. Whether it’s running during a relay race or building a shelter, students develop motor skills and coordination while staying active (World Health Organization).
3. Boosts Mental Health and Well-Being
Spending time in nature reduces stress, improves mood, and fosters emotional resilience. Outdoor learning provides opportunities for mindfulness and reflection, helping students better manage their emotions (Children and Nature Network).
4. Encourages Collaboration and Social Skills
Whole-school outdoor learning fosters teamwork and communication through group activities and challenges. Children develop negotiation, cooperation, and leadership skills while working on shared goals (Learning Through Landscapes).
5. Builds a Connection with Nature
Engaging with the environment teaches children about sustainability and their role in protecting the planet. Activities like gardening, wildlife observation, and eco-projects inspire lifelong environmental stewardship (WWF UK Education Resources).
6. Supports SEND and Diverse Learners
Outdoor learning provides a level playing field where students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can thrive. The natural setting reduces sensory overload and promotes calm, making learning accessible for all (Forest School Association).
7. Fosters Creativity and Curiosity
Nature inspires imagination and innovation. Whether designing art from natural materials or solving real-world problems like building a water filter, outdoor learning encourages students to think creatively (Creative STAR Learning).
8. Aligns with the Curriculum
Outdoor learning isn’t just about play—it aligns seamlessly with the national curriculum. Subjects like science, geography, literacy, and maths come alive when taught outdoors, helping students see their relevance to the real world (Gov.uk Outdoor Learning Guidance).
9. Empowers Teachers
Whole-school outdoor learning also benefits educators. It provides fresh teaching methods, fosters collaboration among staff, and creates a more dynamic and engaging school culture (Edutopia).
10. Strengthens Community and Parental Involvement
Outdoor learning can extend beyond the school gates. Family workshops, community gardening projects, and local eco-initiatives create stronger connections between schools and their communities (National Trust).
How to Implement Whole-School Outdoor Learning
- Start with Training: Equip your staff with outdoor learning skills. Explore the Muddy Puddle Teacher courses.
- Create Outdoor Spaces: Develop areas for gardening, exploration, and structured lessons.
- Engage Stakeholders: Involve parents, local organizations, and the community in your vision.
- Plan for Sustainability: Use natural and recycled materials to ensure eco-friendly practices.
