🦉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.
February is Boost Your Self-Esteem Month
Self-esteem is such a core foundation for all else. It impacts how we interact with one another and the way we show up for ourselves and for our school work. A study by UCL found that 79% of children felt more confident in themselves after participating in outdoor activities.
It’s also LGBT+ History Month
Such an important month when it comes to inclusivity and acceptance. We’ve got a lesson for you: Pride Colours, which helps children understand the meanings behind the colours. There’s a sea of resources on the official LGBT+ History Month website too.
1st – 9th February: National Storytelling Week
National Storytelling Week is a wonderful chance to share stories and creativity with outdoor activities. Check out our Winter Solstice Story, Story Stones, and Green Man Lesson to bring stories to life. Our Free Resources Blog has more storytelling ideas.
2nd February: World Wetlands Day
The theme in 2024 is ‘Wetlands and Human Wellbeing’, recognising how critical the wetlands are to people and nature, contributing to many things including our wellbeing.
Helpful resources: UN and The Wildlife Trusts
2nd February: National Hedgehog Day
Apparently, this is a day rooted in the Roman tradition of ‘Groundhog Day’. The Scottish Wildlife Trust has some amazing resources and we have a lesson on How To Make A Hedgehog Den.
3rd – 9th February: Children’s Mental Health Week
An awareness week that’s close to our hearts. The theme this year is a mighty one ‘My Voice Matters’. We’ve got a lesson on Mental Health for you, as well as one on Mindful Walks and Mindful Listening. There are some ideas here on how to Enhance The Daily Mile. Don’t forget to add your school to Place2Be’s interactive map!
7th February: NSPCC Number Day
This year’s fundraising day for the NSPCC is a mega maths day where we’re all encouraged to embrace mathematics and numbers in a creative way. Not only do we have a Mathematics lesson for you which is perfect for this day, but we also have some handy reading:
5 Engaging Outdoor Math Activities For Older Kids
11th February: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
An annual observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the full and equal access and participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields. Check out our Science lessons and our blog post on Outdoor Science.
14th February: Valentine’s Day
Originally, a Christian feast day to honour a martyr named Valentine. Nowadays, it’s a day to celebrate all things ‘love’. Take a look at our Valentine’s Day and the Outdoors lesson. You might also find these blog posts useful:
Uncomplicated Lessons: The Art of Outdoor Education
14th – 21st February: Nest Box Week
Organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Nest Box Week shines a light on giving birds a home; by putting up nest boxes to provide a breeding spot for birds. We have a lesson dedicated to nests and a blog post 20 Fun Things To Do With Sticks.
17th February: Random Acts of Kindness Day
On a mission to ‘make kindness the norm’, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has introduced Random Acts of Kindness Day. We’re encouraged to partake in random acts of kindness and to keep paying it forward. We’ve got 5 Nature Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness Week to support taking your acts of kindness, outdoors.
26th February: Tell a Fairytale Day
Legends, myths, tales and regales. Tell a Fairytale Day is such a magical opportunity to take learning outdoors, incorporating several curriculum topics all in one go. We have a Fairyland Topic Map to help you, alongside Fairy Creature Wigwams and Fairy Village Stones.
27th February: International Polar Bear Day
We love this from Polar Bears International: “We founded the day to coincide with the time period when polar bear moms and cubs are snug in their dens. As part of our celebration, we focus on the need to protect denning families across the Arctic.” The Highland Wildlife Park has a polar bear in residence and some facts about polar bears you might incorporate into some outdoor learning to mark the day.
28th February – 30th March: Ramadan
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is when Muslims not only fast for the month but also lean into spiritual development, communal gathering, worship and service. Twinkl has a lovely Ramadan Lantern tutorial.
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.
