What can children learn at the park?
Playgrounds are more than just spaces for children to burn off energy and have fun, they are essenti Read More
What are the four zones of outdoor learning?
Melba Hoppe
2025-06-02 21:34:34
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: 23
The concept of zoning the outdoor area is used to turn a space into a place, with each zone or area managed for different play purposes and needs plenty of variables. Each zone or area is managed for different play purposes and needs plenty of variables – loose materials plus items with no defined play purpose or outcome. There are several zones, including the main gardening area, the water play area, the mud zone, the creative area, the wheelie area, the construction and small world pit, and the quiet, wilder, sensory area. The main gardening area is outside the fenced nursery outdoor space and beside the entrance to the nursery. The water play has been situated beside the garden, on the other side of the fence, and the mud zone has been expanded considerably. The creative area is interesting, with the back of the storage shed used as a storage place for natural materials, and the seating is placed for children to gather for drawing, snack and doing a variety of social activities. The zones have all been labelled, which is particularly useful for students and visitors coming to the outdoor space to help them understand the play value. The staff have found it easier to plan and build on the children’s interests, and they feel the re-zoning has led to better quality of play that is more purposeful.
Macey Adams
2025-05-21 21:30:48
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: 14
At the Trust we like to think about outdoor learning as falling into three different levels which are:
1. Learning out of doors
2. Learning with the outdoors
3. Learning through outdoors
At level 1, classroom learning is transferred to the outdoors, for example, a creative writing lesson taking place under the trees in the school grounds.
At level 2, the natural environment becomes a teaching resource, for example, a pond dipping session.
At level 3, children and staff spend more time in the outdoors, exploring, observing and having first-hand encounters with wildlife.
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You apparently should never operate the slide incorrectly, it is sloped in one direction for a reaso Read More
Astrid Lemke
2025-05-21 17:48:01
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: 22
Various zones, each providing different learning activities and opportunities have been created linked together by a natural trial which allows safe movement between the site without affecting the natural landscape.
The natural setting of the wood encourages pupils’ learning within a natural environment and promotes their independence by challenging them to adapt to the different situations they encounter.
The opportunity to see, hear, smell and touch the natural environment around them develops their appreciation of nature and allows them to experience situations in, what is for many, an unfamiliar setting.
The outdoor learning area is a calm environment where pupils can learn whilst experiencing peace and quiet.
It is a location that provides them with the outdoor space and tranquillity to explore and make discoveries independently or with support.
Learning is multi-sensory, and pupils are encouraged to express their feelings and make observations using either gesture or through vocalisation.
Focused learning tasks and simple challenges are carefully planned to increase confidence and self-esteem.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the outdoor learning environment is that its challenges are stimulating and enjoyable.