A Conversation with Judy Duncan: Real Life Tips on Whole School Days, Taking Learning Off Site and More

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In this episode, Carol Murdoch is joined by Judy Duncan, a teacher with a passion for outdoor learning. She discovered the benefits of outdoor learning when she took her primary six class outside for short periods every day, which greatly improved their concentration and behaviour. Judy emphasises the importance of making connections with the real world through outdoor learning and believes that children should have the opportunity to meet different people and experience different places. She also highlights the value of incorporating nature into lessons and the positive impact it has on students. Judy provides practical examples of whole-school outdoor days, emphasising the simplicity and low resource requirements. She encourages teachers to plan their week as normal and then consider what activities could be taken outside to enhance learning. Judy envisions outdoor learning becoming a regular part of every teacher’s approach, with more resources and support available for upper stages and specialist nature teachers.

Takeaways

• Taking students outside for short periods every day can greatly improve their concentration and behaviour.
• Outdoor learning provides opportunities for students to make connections with the real world and experience different places and people.
• Incorporating nature into lessons is important and can enhance learning.
• Whole school outdoor days can be simple and low resource, with activities like free play and curricular-based play.
• Outdoor learning does not necessarily require a progression document, as it is an extension of the classroom and can be tailored to meet the needs of each class.
• Teachers should plan their week as normal and then consider what activities could be taken outside to enhance learning.
• Outdoor learning should be a regular part of every teacher’s approach, with more resources and support available for upper stages and specialist nature teachers.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Judy Duncan and Background
06:00 Whole School OL Day Ideas
13:56 Working Off-Site: Woods and Beaches
25:50 Progression in Outdoor Learning
32:08 The Unique Outdoor Learning Journey of Each Teacher and Class
37:17 Top Tip – Planning

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