Every autumn, we can’t resist collecting conkers. Their shiny brown surfaces, smooth feel, and abundance make them irresistible treasures. But beyond playground games of “conkers,” these natural resources are brilliant teaching tools. With a little imagination, conkers can bring maths, literacy, art, and play to life. Nature: A Free Resource at Our Fingertips With schoolRead more
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Last-Minute Practice Ideas for Phonics Screening Month As phonics screening checks approach, many educators are looking for ways to maintain energy, build confidence, and keep children engaged. At Teach Outdoors, we believe that outdoor learning isn’t just a breath of fresh air – it’s a powerful tool to support literacy development, especially during times ofRead more
Outside the Box, Inside the Wild: Why Outdoor Learning & Play Matters More Than Ever In an education system that’s feeling the squeeze of time, targets, and timetables, outdoor learning offers fresh air in more ways than one. That’s why we’re thrilled to invite educators across the UK to join us for the 2025 OutdoorRead more
British Science Week 2025 is here, and this year’s theme – Change and Adapt – is a perfect fit for outdoor learning! Science isn’t just something that happens in a classroom; it’s all around us. Taking science outdoors allows children to see real-world changes, investigate adaptations in nature, and explore how materials react to theRead more
Loose parts play is a transformative approach to learning and play that empowers children to explore, create, and discover in rich, open-ended environments. By providing materials that spark curiosity and experimentation, we blur the lines between playing and learning, allowing children to take the lead in their own development. What Are Loose Parts? Loose partsRead more
Get outside this Christmas! As the festive season approaches, it’s time to take the classroom outdoors and infuse the holiday spirit into our learning experiences. Here’s our collection of five Christmas activities to engage your class at Christmastime and bring the joy of the season to your outdoor educational space. Reuse and Decorate: Foster creativityRead more
Outdoor Classroom Day falls on 7th November and is the perfect time to break away from the usual indoor lessons, encouraging children to engage with the natural world while meeting curriculum goals. Here are some ways to make the most of this special day, from setting a lively tone with an outdoor assembly to keepingRead more
Introduction The Step Outside project, spearheaded by Dr. Emma Whewell, Karen Woolley, Dr. Tanya Richardson, Jodanna Clanfield, and Helen Tiplady, aimed to integrate outdoor learning into the curriculum for education students at Northampton University. Partnering with Teach Outdoors, the project developed a blended training course to prepare future educators to effectively utilise outdoor environments inRead more
Reading is a fundamental skill that children develop through a complex process, blending oral language, visual cues, phonics, and play to construct meaning from text. We strive to create environments that nurture this process, and incorporating outdoor learning activities can significantly enhance children’s reading development. Below, we explore the stages of learning to read andRead more
As the new academic year approaches, there’s a unique opportunity to create an inspiring and engaging learning environment that encourages exploration and connection. One effective way to do this is by integrating natural elements into your classroom. By bringing the outdoors in, you not only create a welcoming space but also harness the educational andRead more