What is Outdoor Play and Learning?
Outdoor play and learning is child-led, educator supported, unstructured play on and with the land.
1. Choose a site
- With sticks, leaves and grasses - it can be a small patch with a tree.
- Without fixed equipment -somewhere not often used or off the school grounds.
2. Make it safe
- Write a risk benefit assessment.
- Know and provide first aid if needed.
- Include a snake bandage in your kit.
- Bring a mat to all sit on.
- Establish physical boundaries - ropes and markers work well.
- Bring other adults with you.
3. Prepare, plan and play
- Make time regularly - all year round if practical. Over an hour is recommended.
- Establish set routines and expectations.
- Plan a mini lesson or stimulus for learning linked to classroom inquiry.
- Allow time for free, unstructured play.
- Record learning as it happens and let it guide your future planning.
- Dress for the weather - long sleeves and pants provide protection.
- Consider waterproof pants and a gumboot library for wet weather.
4. Have fun
- You don’t need to know it all - be a co -learner.
- Rainy days can be the best and the most memorable.
- Follow the students lead. Allow them to show you where to go and what to do.
- Smile and play on their level - be curious.
Try these questions in your next outdoor lesson to empower children to lead and share:
- Show me what you’re working on?
- Where should we start?
- Tell me more about that?
- What makes you say that?
- What do you think it is? How do you know?
- I’m curious about the way you...
- What are you noticing?
- What might be another way to think about doing this?
- How will you make it better next time?
- What do you need?
- What is working well here?
- How could you fix that?
- What is your plan…
Ideas to get you started
- Practice mindfulness and meditation near trees.
- Make shelter and cubbies.
- Make imaginative worlds.
- Create a frame with sticks on the ground and create pictures using natural materials.
- Mix colours and nature potions.
- Balance on logs, trees or branches.
- Climb trees.
- Use magnifying glasses to enjoy the micro world.
- Water and mud play using bowls, buckets and measuring jugs, clay can also be fun.
- Role play and imagination activities.
- Sing songs and tell stories.
- Learn about Aboriginal culture through stories and invite Aboriginal community members to share.
