🦉Please note: the lesson plans we’ve linked to below are only available to members. If you’d like to be supported in curriculum-based outdoor learning, please take a look at the membership options available.
Mental Health Month
October is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, making it the perfect time to prioritise well-being in your outdoor lessons. Incorporate mindful walks, listening activities, and calming nature-based experiences to support students’ mental health. Check out our Mental Health Week, Mindful Walks, and Mindful Listening lessons, as well as our blog on Daily Mile Ideas.
1st – 2nd October: Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is a time of reflection and renewal.
3rd October: National Poetry Day
Bring creativity outdoors with National Poetry Day. Encourage your class to use nature as inspiration for their poetry, from observing autumn leaves to listening to birdsong. Take a look at our Poetry Outdoors lesson and our National Poetry Day blog for ideas.
3rd October: World Smile Day
Celebrate World Smile Day by taking part in feel-good outdoor activities! Take a nature walk, play outdoor games, or encourage students to do random acts of kindness for nature and each other.
4th – 10th October: World Space Week
World Space Week is a fantastic time to explore the cosmos with outdoor science activities. From measuring the strength of the sun to stargazing, outdoor learning offers unique ways to engage students with space topics. Try out our Measure the Strength of the Sun lesson.
4th October: World Animal Day
World Animal Day is a great opportunity to teach about animal conservation and biodiversity. Observe local wildlife, discuss habitats, or create animal-themed art projects.
4th October: World Fungi Day
Head outside to find mushrooms, lichens, and other fungi in their natural habitats. This day is perfect for teaching about ecosystems and fungi’s vital role.
6th October – 12th October: Red Squirrel Week
Red Squirrel Week is a great chance to learn about this native species and to get involved in saving Scotland’s red squirrels. Organised by the Wildlife Trusts, this week raises awareness about red squirrel conservation.
6th October: Badger Day
Celebrate Badger Day by teaching your class about these shy nocturnal creatures. Incorporate outdoor tracking activities or habitat exploration to widen their knowledge of badgers.
6th October: World Habitat Day
World Habitat Day highlights the importance of preserving natural environments. Take your class outside to explore local habitats, and use our lessons like Looking for Habitats, Developing Habitats, Photographing Habitats and Bio Blitz 1 and Bio Blitz 2 to teach how to observe and protect the spaces around them.
10th October: World Mental Health Day
Continue the important focus on mental health with World Mental Health Day. Revisit our Mental Health Week, Mindful Walks, and Mindful Listening lessons, and don’t forget to check our blog on Daily Mile Ideas.
20th October: Diwali
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a vibrant celebration of good triumphing over evil. Encourage your class to explore cultural traditions by creating outdoor Rangoli designs using natural materials like leaves and petals. You can find a lesson plan for this here: Diwali Rangoli.
21st October: Apple Day
Apple Day celebrates the diversity of apples and promotes the preservation of orchards. Get outside with your class to pick apples, make sweet caramelised apples, or even create bird feeders. You can also explore mythology and nature with our Bird Feeders and Roman Gods lesson.
24th October: United Nations Day
United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the UN’s founding and is a great time to teach about global cooperation and the importance of peace and sustainability.
24th – 31st October: Bat Week
Bat Week is a time to raise awareness about these often-misunderstood creatures. Head outdoors to explore bat habitats, learn about nocturnal animals, or even build bat boxes.
31st October: Halloween
Halloween is the perfect time for spooky, fun, and educational outdoor activities. Get playful with nature-themed activities like our lessons on Make a Broom, Wonderous Webs, Powerful Trees, and Skeleton Bones. Don’t forget to check our blogs on Halloween Stories and Getting Outdoors for Halloween for more creative ideas.
Let’s Get Social
We love seeing what you’re all up to when it comes to outdoor learning; please do find us on social media (we’re on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn) and tag us so we can have a nosey.
