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In this episode, Carol interviews Calum Wright, an outdoor learning specialist, about his educational journey and experiences teaching outdoor learning in different countries. They discuss the importance of making outdoor learning relevant to the curriculum, the value of simplicity in outdoor learning activities, and the need for teachers to be adaptable and reflective. They also explore the benefits of outdoor learning for children, including improved well-being, connection with nature, and developing independence and questioning skills. Calum shares his experiences as a teacher with ADHD and how outdoor learning has supported his mental health. They emphasise the importance of play for all ages in outdoor learning. In this conversation, Carol and Calum discuss the importance of play and outdoor learning in education. They emphasise the benefits of play for both children and adults, highlighting its role in mental health and creativity. They also discuss the connection between outdoor learning and sustainability, emphasising the need to foster a love for nature to inspire children to protect the environment. They touch on the importance of building relationships with students, setting clear expectations, and integrating outdoor learning into the curriculum. They also discuss the development of social skills and the future outlook for outdoor learning.
Takeaways
- Outdoor learning can be integrated into the curriculum by finding connections with what students are learning indoors and adapting lessons to the outdoor setting.
- Simplicity is key in outdoor learning activities, and teachers should not be afraid to try new things and learn from trial and error.
- Teachers should be kind to themselves and embrace reflection and adaptation in outdoor learning.
- Outdoor learning provides numerous benefits for children, including improved well-being, connection with nature, and the development of independence and questioning skills.
- Outdoor learning can support the mental health of teachers, including those with ADHD, by providing headspace and opportunities for creativity and engagement.
- Play is important for all ages in outdoor learning and should be encouraged to foster imagination, discovery, and rich learning experiences. Play is important for both children and adults, as it promotes mental health and creativity.
- Outdoor learning can foster a love for nature and inspire children to protect the environment.
- Building relationships with students and setting clear expectations are key to successful outdoor learning.
- Outdoor learning provides opportunities for the development of social skills, teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience.
- Classroom teachers play a crucial role in implementing outdoor learning and can integrate it into various subjects.
- Finding joy and passion in outdoor learning activities is essential for sustainability and long-term success.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Calum’s Journey into Education
01:53 Attitudes towards Outdoor Learning Across the World
04:05 Integrating Outdoor Learning into the Curriculum
06:21 The Power of Simplicity in Outdoor Learning
08:12 Reflection and Adaptation in Outdoor Learning
11:06 Benefits of Outdoor Learning for Children
14:00 Outdoor Learning and Teacher Mental Health
29:15 The Power of Play and Creativity
40:02 Fostering a Love for Nature
45:07 Building Relationships and Setting Expectations
48:32 Developing Social Skills
50:31 The Role of Classroom Teachers
53:12 Finding Joy and Passion for Sustainability
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