🌿 Outdoor Maths Learning: Exploring Money Through Outdoor Play (P1–P4)

This week, pupils from P1–P4 enjoyed an exciting outdoor maths learning session as we began our new topic on money. Making the most of our playground and wildlife area, children were put into mixed-age groups and given a real-life challenge , to set up their own shop using natural resources.

Each group worked together to design their shop, using items such as sticks, stones, leaves and cones as products. Pupils were provided with coins and notes, along with price tags, and were encouraged to decide how much their items should cost. Once their shops were ready, children took turns being shopkeepers and customers, practising key money skills in a fun and meaningful way.

Throughout the session, pupils developed their understanding of recognising coins and notes, counting money, giving change, and making sensible choices about prices. Working outdoors created a highly engaging environment where children could apply their learning through play, teamwork and problem-solving.

It was wonderful to see pupils confidently communicating with one another, negotiating prices, and supporting younger learners. The session highlighted how outdoor learning can bring maths to life while supporting wider skills for learning, life and work.

🔑 Meta-Skills Developed
• Critical Thinking – deciding prices, solving money problems, and working out change
• Creativity – designing shops and using natural materials in imaginative ways

💙 SHANARRI Wellbeing Indicators
• Safe – pupils worked responsibly within the outdoor environment
• Healthy – active learning outdoors supported physical and mental wellbeing
• Achieving – children applied and extended their money skills successfully
• Nurtured – positive relationships and support across mixed-age groups
• Active – hands-on, practical learning through play

🌍 UNCRC Rights Supported
• Article 12 – the right to share opinions and have them listened to
• Article 28 – the right to education
• Article 29 – education should develop children’s abilities, talents and life skills.