Group items tagged

Get pupils outdoors

The National Wildlife Federation has some great information on creating a schoolyard habitat. This is the kind of thing you could plan during post-planning to give time for the summer and to have them ready for the fall. There is also a way to certify your school yard habitat. We have two gardens at our school and outdoor classrooms and the students learn so much. I highly recommend considering this at your school. This can be done with all ages.

"No matter what the weather is trying to prove otherwise, it is summer in the UK and time to take the learning outside. Science, geography and art are often thought about when planning outside lessons as the 'resources' of mini-beasts, ow-bow lakes and scenic landscapes, on the whole, are found outside. But what benefits are there for doing DT outside (other than keeping your classroom mess-free) or music outside (other than annoying the teacher of 5B)?"

A UK site which encourages exploration and outdoor activities by setting missions ranging from finding or photographing things from nature to going pond dipping to write reports about a location. Earn points for each mission completed. http://ictmagic.wikispaces.com/PSHE%2C+RE%2C+Citizenship%2C+Geography+%26+Environmental

Outdoor learning and eco schools

Here are some lesson plans for phonics and writing for younger students to use in your classroom. I've sorted it by the most popular first including some Outdoor ideas and some phonics games you could play.

This is a fabulous GPS and mapping Android app that gives you everything you need to go geocaching and exploring the great outdoors. There are location, compass, photo and tracking tools which should ensure you can always find your way... until your battery runs out! Download the app at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mictale.gpsessentials http://ictmagic.wikispaces.com/PSHE%2C+RE%2C+Citizenship%2C+Geography+%26+Environmental

If you discuss sun protection in your health program - here is some information for you. I had skin cancer removed when I wasn't even 30 yet! Skin Cancer has been an issue in my family and I hope you discuss this with kids. Here is information from my inbox. "With the UV Index on the rise, it's time to remind your students to Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap! In our effort to raise awareness about a health issue that is largely preventable and too often ignored-skin cancer, EPA encourages you to promote sun safety before the second annual Don't Fry Day on the Friday before Memorial Day (May 28, 2010). As millions of us prepare to enjoy the great outdoors this Memorial Day weekend, EPA and the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention are reminding Americans to practice sun-safe behaviors. We need your help; go online and pledge to incorporate sun safety into your spring and summer activities. Take the Pledge: www.epa.gov/sunwise/dfdpledge.html Participating classrooms and informal education organizations will receive a Don't Fry Day poster and a set of sun safety stickers. The stickers feature SunWise animals showing children how to Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap! Additionally, you will be entered into a random drawing for a SunWise Prize Pack. The prize pack includes a set of UV-sensitive beads, a real-time UV monitor, UV-sensitive nail polish and other sun safety resources. To learn more about Don't Fry Day, visit the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention's Don't Fry Day resource page, www.skincancerprevention.org, where you can find background information, skin cancer statistics and facts, and public service announcements you can put in your school's newsletter or distribute electronically to parents."

A guide to learning anywhere. Great tips to make the most of your surroundings to help your students learn and explore.

"The Arts in Primary Education shows how resources already present in schools, such as picture books or the outdoor environment, can be used to develop a creative culture. With a focus on long-term initiatives including partnerships with art institutions and the training and personal development of teachers, the book also presents clear and accessible explanations of the benefits of integrating the arts across a school. Backed by research and evidence and complete with images and descriptions of artworks, this guide is ideal for helping develop a whole-school arts curriculum to enrich learning and raise attainment in all subject areas."

It is essential that children in today's 'technology focused world' get real, hands-on experiences. The only things that some of my children have in their hands, once at home, are games console controls! By making learning fun and interactive we can engage children in finding out about the world around them and their past, instilling a love of learning and giving them some practical skills to use in the real world...

Best school trip destinations in UK?

Summary from an education discussion about learning outside the classroom

outdoor games

physical activity games for primary children