This weeks session began with a discussion about outdoor learning, this is something that I am very passionate about. I believe that being outside in the fresh air and not confined to the formal setting of a classroom makes lessons more enjoyable and easier to be engaged in by learning through experience.

“All aspects of the curriculum can be explored outside. The sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors, the closeness to nature, the excitement most children feel, the wonder and curiosity all serve to enhance and stimulate learning” (Education Scotland, 2010).“The core values of curriculum for excellence match the concepts of outdoor learning which are challenge, enjoyment, relevance, depth, development of a person and adventurous approach to learning” (Education Scotland, 2010).

Children and young people can sometimes behave differently outdoors, quiet pupils may speak more, others become calmer and more focused when outside (Education Scotland, 2011) being outdoors can stimulate different thinking and actions as it is a very real learning experience by being practical instead of passive. The place in which people learn also helps them to make connections between their experiences and the world around them in a meaningful context, outdoor places provide a diversity of resources and spaces that is hard to replicate in an indoor environment. (Education Scotland, 2011).

We then took the session outside ourselves, we were allowed to choose materials to take with us, my group decided to take wool. We had no idea what we were going to do with it, once we were outside there were endless opportunities to allow our imagination to run wild. We were able to come together as a group and share all of our ideas and work as a team to create something lovely. 

It was a good feeling to add some colour and creativity to the surroundings, it was a chance to express the arts. I think that children would love to do this, not only for all of the benefits mentioned of simply being outdoors but to allow them to put their creative stamp on their surroundings and allow them the freedom to express their imagination anywhere they wanted and leave their work for all to see.

References 

Education Scotland (2011) Practical Guidance, ideas and support for teachers and practitioners in Scotland [Online]. Available: http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/images/outdoorlearningsupport_tcm4-675958.pdf [Accessed 11 February 2017].