Outdoor Area - EYFS/Early Years activities, displays and ideas
SECTIONS ON THIS PAGE:
General ‘Outdoor Area’ resources
‘Outdoor Area’ pages:
‘Outdoor Area’ themes
Related special dates - Outdoor Classroom Day (Scroll down to find out more)
FREE SAMPLE RESOURCEs!
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Please note that both Editable (docx file) and non-editable (pdf file) versions are available for ‘Outdoor Area’ resources. (Editable files require Microsoft Word to work at optimum level and Non-Editable files require a pdf viewer.)
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General ‘Outdoor Area’ resources
‘OUTDOOR PLAY’ PACKS
SIGNS
Outdoor themed display lettering
ACTIVITY/MOVEMENT CHALLENGE PACKS
Our ‘Activity/Movement’ Challenge cards are perfect for inspiring fun and expressive movement within the outdoor area!
More ‘Activity/Movement Challenge Cards’ on our dedicated page HERE.
More ‘Activity/Movement Challenge Cards’ HERE.
CHECKLISTS, SCAVENGER HUNTS AND TALLY CHARTS
Explore the outdoors on your doorstep with our range of scavenger hunts, checklists and tally charts!
More ‘Checklists, Scavenger Hunts and Tally Charts’ HERE.
More ‘Checklists, Scavenger Hunts and Tally Charts’ HERE.
‘Outdoor Area’ Pages
(More coming soon!)
‘Outdoor Area’ Themes
Related Special Dates
Outdoor Classroom Day
Outdoor Classroom Day is a global campaign that encourages schools to take children outside to learn and play. In the UK, it is typically held twice a year, in May and November, with the goal of highlighting the benefits of outdoor learning for children’s development, health, and well-being.
Purpose and Objectives of Outdoor Classroom Day
Promoting Outdoor Learning: The day aims to encourage teachers to integrate outdoor learning into their curriculum. Learning outdoors can improve students' engagement, enhance creativity, and foster a deeper connection with nature.
Highlighting Play’s Importance: In addition to structured learning, Outdoor Classroom Day emphasises the value of unstructured playtime. Play allows children to develop social skills, build resilience, and explore their surroundings.
Raising Awareness: The initiative also seeks to inspire schools, educators, and policymakers to recognise the benefits of outdoor learning and advocate for more frequent outdoor education in schools.
Benefits of Outdoor Classroom Day
Increased Engagement: Studies show that learning outdoors can increase student engagement, helping students stay attentive, motivated, and interested in the subject matter.
Improved Well-being: Being in natural environments can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase physical activity, all of which contribute to better mental and physical health.
Development of Social Skills: Outdoor activities often require teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, which help children build social skills in ways that are less accessible in a traditional classroom setting.
Connection with Nature: Outdoor learning fosters environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility toward nature, encouraging children to become stewards of the planet.
Typical Activities on Outdoor Classroom Day
Nature Walks and Science Lessons: Teachers may organise nature walks where students learn about local plants, animals, and ecosystems or conduct science experiments that explore concepts like weather, biology, and ecology.
Art and Creativity Projects: Art projects using natural materials, such as leaf rubbings or rock painting, are common outdoor activities. Children can also practice observational drawing or photography of nature.
Maths and Literacy Games: Educators often design maths or literacy games that incorporate physical activity or nature elements, such as measuring distances between trees, counting leaves, or storytelling in a natural setting.
Team-building Exercises and Free Play: Many teachers set aside time for children to enjoy free play or engage in team-building activities that encourage creativity, exploration, and social skills.
Impact and Long-Term Goals
Outdoor Classroom Day serves as a reminder of the importance of outdoor play and learning, advocating for changes that incorporate more frequent outdoor activities in school curriculums year-round. It has garnered support from numerous organisations, educators, and parents worldwide who believe in the holistic benefits of taking education outside.
Overall
Outdoor Classroom Day provides children with the opportunity to learn, play, and grow outside traditional classrooms. It underscores the idea that outdoor experiences can enrich learning and development, contributing to well-rounded, resilient, and environmentally-conscious individuals.
