We all know that one of the biggest challenges we are currently facing globally is reconnecting children back to school life.
Teach Outdoors is delighted to have teamed up with Muddy Feet to create a Life Skills Toolkit to help those working with children to identify key life skills and how to use them. You can purchase it now for just £8!
Over the years Alex has been involved in some fantastic projects and at the end of the first lockdown she produced a document, Transitioning Back to School During the Coronavirus Pandemic. You can download it for FREE below.
This is what Alex says about the pack:
This pack has been produced in response to the Coronavirus pandemic by MUDDY FEET® in partnership with Cherwell District Council during lockdown 1. Coronavirus has had a dramatic and rapid impact across the UK, communities are locked down and schools have been closed to all but vulnerable and key worker children. The impact of this experience will be seen in the months and years to come. Research on the impacts of previous pandemics has shown that we can expect an increase in anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress, and a decrease in confidence and educational attainment.
Many schools are planning to reopen as the lockdown eases and the Government guidelines recommend the use of playgrounds and outdoor spaces for teaching. Over the last 20 years, there has been an increasing body of scientific research that proves time in nature is beneficial to our mental health. Immersing ourselves and connecting with nature enables us to lower cortisol levels, restores attention, and balances our nervous system. Nature can activate our neural pathways that are associated with calmness. This leads to decreased levels of anxiety and depression.
The University of Derby has published research into human-nature connections. They recognise there is, ‘no well-being without nature’s wellbeing’. This research identifies 5 pathways to developing nature connection. This research suggests that nature connection can offer us simple solutions to deal with complex social problems. By using your school’s outdoor space creatively you can provide a simple and cost-effective way of helping children to manage their anxiety, concerns and support a more effective reintegration into school life. It provides an opportunity to build a widespread nature connection and better mental and physical wellbeing.
This MUDDY FEET® teaching pack contains 6 session plans to aid in the transition of children from home back into school using nature-based therapeutic activities. The pack uses the 5 pathways to nature connection as a framework for the sessions.
If you would like more information about Muddy Feet click here.
