This week was focused on outdoor learning and in particular using an app called QR Reader. Unfortunately, I missed most of this class and my group had already designed and planned the task at hand. I did however get to experience another groups activity and I had a great experience with that, which I will talk about further in this blog. Learning and Teaching Scotland (2010, P5) states “Learning outdoors can lead to lifelong recreation. Activities such as walking and cycling which are ideal for physical and emotional wellbeing contribute to a healthier Scotland”. I am passionate about health and wellbeing and I believe exercise to be one key factor to promoting this. By getting children outdoors and experiencing different outdoor activities such as walking and cycling as stated above, then I truly believe we would have a happy and healthier Scotland.

 

The activity I experienced today was based on a shopping list, we were given a sheet of paper with clear instructions and clues to each item. Once at that item there was a code (please see picture attached below) next to or near-by, and we had to scan that code to be given the price of that item and then we were given a clue for the next item. Once we had worked out all clues and prices of each item on the list, we had to return back to the start point and add up the price of everything. Finally, we had to work out how much change we would get if we had £10 to spend.

 

Learning and Teaching Scotland (2010, p9) states “Outdoor learning offers many opportunities for learners to deepen and contextualise their understanding within the curriculum areas”. Having experienced this outdoor activity today with the QR Reader I believe children would have had a deeper understanding of numeracy, literacy and health and well-being. On refection of this task I think it was great, it was very engaging, and it allowed you to work collaboratively. You had to really work together as a team to figure out where the clues were directing you too. The prices of items weren’t just a simple price, some were asking the price of 5 of these and again this made you really have to think about your numeracy skills and figure out the best way to calculate.

 

(basing this on level one) I believe the task I experienced today would cover the outcomes:

 

• I value the opportunities I am given to make friends and be part of a group in a range of situations. HWB 1-14a
• I can use money to pay for items and can work out how much change I should receive. MNU 1-09a
• When I engage with others, I know when and how to listen, when to talk, how much to say, when to ask questions and how to respond with respect. LIT 1-04a

 

On refection of participating in this activity I can see the benefits outdoor learning has on our children and the importance of linking the outdoors to the curriculum for excellence experiences and outcomes. “Outdoor learning experiences are often remembered for

A lifetime. Integrating learning and outdoor experiences, whether through play in the immediate grounds or adventures further afield, provides relevance and depth to the curriculum in ways that are difficult to achieve indoors” Learning and Teaching Scotland (2010).

 

In conclusion, from experiencing an outdoor activity and reading up on relevant and recommended reading on outdoor learning, I think it is something that needs to be done more in schools at it has many positives, both physically and mentally for children. The outdoors holds an array of possibilities and tools to link in fun and exciting activities to the curriculum for excellence and I look forward to further gaining experience in this area.

 

 

References

 

Learning and Teaching Scotland (2010) Curriculum for Excellence through outdoor learning.