Blog
The benefits of outdoor learning
The benefits of outdoor learning
There is a wealth of research advocating the benefits of outdoor learning but one of the most useful, I’ve found, is the research project carried out by Plymouth University, on behalf of Natural England, which ran from 2012-2016.
This was an initiative to help school children – particularly those from disadvantaged areas – experience the benefits of the natural environment by encouraging teachers to use the outdoors to support everyday learning. It took place in 125 schools across the South West of England, helping more than 40,000 primary and secondary school pupils to learn outside of the classroom.
More than a score
More than a score
A growing army of early years professionals, academics and parents are protesting against the introduction of baseline testing in reception. Over 20,000 people have signed the More than a Score online petition over the past week.
Elaine Bennett, founder of the Facebook Group, Keeping Early Years Unique has been actively campaigning against the introduction of baseline testing, which is currently set for the trial phase in September, with full implementation due in 2020. Elaine gave a rousing speech at the NUT conference earlier this year which called for early years practitioners, parents and other professionals to stand up for what they believe and campaign against the introduction of the test.
How to develop problem solving and creativity using loose materials
How to develop problem solving and creativity using loose materials
Friday 27th April – 9.30am – 3.30pm
Course venue: West Thornton Primary Academy, Croydon CR0 3BS
Led by Jackie Slaughter – Specialist Leader in Education for early years
Loose materials are anything that can be assembled, disassembled, moved, combined and re-imagined in an endless variety of ways, providing children with endless opportunities for problem-solving and creativity. Find out how you can use many of these free, natural and man-made resources across the curriculum.
This course will enable you to:
- Discover how to provide an enabling environment using loose materials
- Actively engage in using loose materials in all areas of the curriculum – inside and out
- Find out how to provide for exciting and engaging resources on a shoe-string budget
- Learn how using loose materials supports problem-solving and develops critical thinking
Target audience: This course benefits anyone working in, or leading early years. You will come away equipped with a wealth of ideas in order to raise engagement levels and improve teaching and learning, in your setting.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Book Via: http://westthorntonta.org.uk/cpd/developing-problem-solving-and-creativity-using-loose-materials
Following children’s interests
Following children’s interests
Schools are under growing pressure to formalise early years in order to make children school ready. As a result, there is an over-focus in many schools on reading, writing and maths, along with a perception that teaching the above can only take place inside.
Many learning opportunities are missed by working in this way, as playing outdoors is cross-curricular, supports higher levels of involvement and develops the characteristics of effective learning. A good example of this happened during a trip to the common recently with two of my grandchildren…one in reception and one in year 5. Both love being outdoors and are more than happy to find resources to enhance their play when they are out and about.