Day 6: Outdoor Learning FUN in Home Education

Welcome to Day 6 of our Home Educating series!

Today, we’re stepping outside to explore the benefits and opportunities of outdoor learning.

Outdoor learning is refreshing and invigorating, and it offers unique hands-on experiences that enhance traditional educational methods.

From nature walks to outdoor crafts and environmental lessons, let’s explore how you can integrate the great outdoors into your home education routine.

Nature Walks 

Nature walks are a fantastic way to combine physical activity with learning. They provide a multi-sensory experience that can stimulate curiosity and observation skills.

• Incorporate Science: Use nature walks to teach scientific concepts. Encourage your children to identify different plants, flowers, and trees. Bring along a field guide or a plant identification app to help with this. You can also look for various insects and birds, noting their characteristics and behaviours. 
• Observation Journals: Equip your children with notebooks to draw or write about their observations. This practice can enhance their attention to detail and help them develop a love for nature.
•  Themed Walks: Create themes for your nature walks, such as focusing on seasons, weather patterns, or specific ecosystems. Each walk can be a new adventure and learning opportunity. There are too many to list! A resource can be found inside the membership area.

Outdoor Crafts

 Using natural materials for crafts can be a fun and creative way to engage with the environment. Here are some ideas for outdoor crafts:

•  Leaf Rubbings: Gather leaves of different shapes and sizes. Place a leaf under a piece of paper and rub a crayon over it to create an impression. This activity can teach children about different leaf patterns and types.
•  Nature Collages: Collect twigs, leaves, flowers, and stones to create beautiful collages. This can be a great way to discuss the textures, colours, and forms found in nature.
•  Rock Painting: Find smooth rocks and paint them with colourful designs or use them to tell a story. Painted rocks can also be used to create garden markers for plants and vegetables.

Environmental Lessons

Teaching children about the environment and sustainability is crucial for fostering responsible and informed future citizens.

Here are some practical ways to incorporate environmental lessons into your outdoor learning:

•  Recycling: Set up a recycling station at home and teach your children how to sort different materials. Discuss the importance of recycling and how it benefits the environment.
•  Gardening: Start a small garden and involve your children in planting, watering, and caring for plants. Gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and the basics of plant biology. Plus, it can be a great way to discuss topics like photosynthesis and ecosystems.
•  Composting: Create a compost bin and explain the process of decomposition and how composting helps reduce waste and enrich the soil. This can be a hands-on science lesson about the nutrient cycle and organic matter.

Resources and Tools

Here are some resources to help you get started with outdoor learning:

• Woodland Trust: Offers resources and guides for exploring and learning about UK woodlands.
• RSPB: Provides information on birdwatching and activities to encourage wildlife learning.
•  National Geographic Kids: Features a variety of educational content and activities focused on nature and the environment.

Note: Some of these links may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. This helps support the blog and allows us to continue providing free content to you.

Tips for Outdoor Learning

To make the most of your outdoor learning experiences, consider these tips:

•  Dress Appropriately: Ensure everyone is dressed for the weather and terrain. Comfortable shoes, hats, and sunscreen are essential for a pleasant experience.
•  Be Prepared: Bring along necessary supplies such as water, snacks, first-aid kit, and any educational tools like magnifying glasses or field guides.
•  Follow Interests: Let your children’s interests guide some of the outdoor activities. If they show a keen interest in bugs or flowers, tailor your activities to explore these topics in more depth.
•  Be Mindful of the Environment: Teach your children to respect nature by leaving no trace. Encourage them to observe without disturbing wildlife and to pick up litter.

Share Your Outdoor Adventures

We’d love to see your outdoor learning activities! Share your experiences, photos, and tips on our Facebook page or tag us on Instagram.

Your adventures can inspire and support other home educating families in embracing outdoor learning.

What’s Next?

 Join us tomorrow as we focus on educational apps.

 We’ll provide you with activities, resources, and ideas to help identify the best and most interactive educational apps.

Until then, happy home educating and enjoy your outdoor learning adventures!

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Let’s make this home education journey an incredible experience for you and your family!

To your joy! 

Tracey