Summer Activities Outside the Classroom
The last few weeks of the summer term are a great time to enjoy the sunshine outside of the classroom - here are some tips to for some outdoor activities.
Students really benefit from the simple act of being outdoors. Research has shown that it improves mental and spiritual health, communication skills and social relationships, among other things.
Forest School
Forest Schools are nature-based communities where staff facilitate learner led exploration and discovery, giving students valuable rural experiences while building self esteem and confidence.
During these sessions, students learn to assess, appreciate and take risks, and make sensible, informed decisions about how to tackle the activities and experiences they encounter.
Forest School ties in with many areas of the National Curriculum. For example, being outdoors year-round helps students learn about weather and the seasons, which are part of the programme of study in geography, studying mini beasts and plant life relates to the science curriculum, and working on tasks like den building and woodwork links with design and technology.
Learning Through Landscapes
Learning Through Landscapes are a leading UK-based charity dedicated to enhancing outdoor learning and play for children. They ahave many resources on their website, aimed at Early Years, primary and Secondary students. You should find plenty of engaging and useful outdoor lesson ideas there.
Learning Outside the Classroom
The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) is a national charity that champions all learning that happens beyond the classroom (LOtC).
Their work supports educators, schools and organisations who are dedicated to ensuring more children and young people have opportunities for life-changing learning experiences beyond the classroom, whether these happen indoors or outdoors, close to home or far away. If you're planning a trip or just looking to spend more time in the outside spaces of your facilities; the CLOtC have many useful resources.
Handsam Guidance
Handsam have a wide variety of resources, including risk assessments which schools will find invaluable when venturing outdoors. Our clients can find them by logging on to the Handsam system and using the the topic tag "LOtC" in the search bar.
Fires and Barbecues
Before organising a fire or barbecue there are a few safety measures which schools must adhere to:
- Students and staff must be aware of the safest methods to start a fire;
- Matches struck away from body;
- Fire pit, etc. away from trees and bushes;
- Screen to keeps sparks from flying outwards;
- Tinder and kindling used;
- Water supply on hand in case the fire gets out of hand;
- Fire should be damped out thoroughly when finished; and
- Supervision, awareness talks and reminders of correct procedures.
CLEAPSS Guidance
In the current issue of CLEAPSS Explore magazine there are many useful hints and tips about making a fire outdoors.
They say; "There are a host of curriculum-linked reasons for lighting fires with children. You might want to do some outdoor cooking, learn about states of matter or reversible change. However, we'd argue that the best reasons for lighting fires are to develop more personal and social skills such as resilience, responsibility and respect."