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In like a lion, out like a lamb? March is here and with the wind howling, rain lashing, it would seem like it has come in like a lion. Hopefully, that means we will have a fine spring. This wild weather should mean an abundance of sticks and twigs on the ground, ready for some arts and crafts!
I love a walk outdoors on a day like this. It makes me feel alive and refreshed. Then of course, when I get home I feel so warm and cosy, ready to curl up with a hot chocolate and some arts and crafts.
While all the activities we explore today can be enjoyed outdoors, there is no reason not to collect your resources whilst out walking and enjoying them indoors instead. They can be a wonderful way to while away an afternoon.
Stickmen and Women
Stick people, we love creating them with all ages, because all ages will get something different out of this activity. All you need to start is two twigs and some wool or string. Lash the two sticks together into a cross to create a basic stickman or women! For younger children, leashing them sticks together can be a challenge. We encourage children to wrap the yarn around the sticks diagonally three times, switch to the opposite diagonal for another three and keep alternating until it is held tight. Older children can be more creative. Can they use natural materials to create an outfit? Can they write an adventure about their stick person?
Wands
We all love a little magic, whether from Hogwarts or Meg and Mog. It can be fun to find the perfect stick to create your wand. You may wish to whittle it or keep it simple and add some ribbons and bows, or you might paint it. Whatever you do, make your wand as unique as you are.
Art
Andy Goldsworthy is an environmental artist based here in Scotland. His environmental art is simply stunning in its simplicity. Can you collect natural materials? You might find stones, acorns, leaves, flowers, twigs, shells, or anything else while out on a walk? Andy’s art is often left in nature, where it is created, left to be discovered. While it is chilly you may prefer taking your art resources home to create masterpieces. Can you use it to create natural mandalas? These are circles within circles within circles and have become popular thanks to adult colouring books. What could you use to create each circle? Older children can think about tone and size while creating.
Remember
The outdoors is a place of fun. It should not be adding more stress and strain to your life. You can head to your garden or local green space or venture further to a park close to home. There are no time restrictions. You can spend as little or as long out as you like. The only rule is you should all be having fun!
Love Outdoor Learning offers a range of support for curriculum-based outdoor learning within the school, both primary and secondary. Our membership resource offers training and lesson ideas throughout the curriculum, and we regularly share blogs with new activity ideas and thoughts on outdoor learning. We can also offer on-site training and support.
We aim to help support as many educators as possible. We offer free support calls to help schools understand how we can support them in their learning journey. If you wish to book one, jump over to our diary.
