Breaking into the Playground

In this conversation, Carol Murdoch and Patrick Boxall explore the significance of outdoor learning, its impact on creativity, mental health, and community engagement. Patrick shares his journey in outdoor education, the role of Queen Margaret University in promoting outdoor learning, and the importance of connecting communities to share best practices. They discuss the Outdoor Learning Hub and its initiatives, as well as practical tips for educators looking to incorporate outdoor learning into their teaching.

In this conversation, Eilidh Malcolm from OWL Scotland discusses her extensive background in outdoor learning and the importance of connecting children with nature. She highlights the role of OWL groups across Scotland in providing resources, training, and community support for educators. The conversation also covers various awards, such as the Scottish Junior Forester Award and Scotland's Finest Woods Awards, which encourage outdoor education and environmental stewardship. Eilidh emphasizes the value of networking, sharing resources, and fostering a love for nature among young people.

In this episode of the Breaking Into the Playground podcast, host Carol Murdoch explores the enchanting world of outdoor storytelling. She discusses how nature enhances storytelling, making it immersive and engaging. Through the tale of the Green Man, she illustrates the transformative power of stories in connecting children with the natural world. Carol shares practical techniques for effective outdoor storytelling and encourages educators to integrate storytelling into their outdoor learning practices. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to find and share their own stories inspired by nature.

This conversation explores the significance of outdoor learning in Scotland, discussing its benefits for children, staff, and families. It addresses barriers to access, the importance of engaging parents, and the need for training and resources. The speakers share personal experiences and emphasize the necessity of mindset shifts to promote outdoor learning effectively. They also highlight the importance of recognizing achievements and sharing best practices within the educational community.

In this episode of the Breaking Into the Playground podcast, host Carol Murdoch speaks with Dawn from Mucky Boots about the importance of outdoor learning and its impact on mental health. Dawn shares her journey into outdoor education, the core values of Mucky Boots, and the need for systemic change in education to support children's development. They discuss the challenges faced by educators, the significance of community, and the role of Upstart Scotland in advocating for a more play-based approach to early childhood education. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mindset, well-being, and the human element in teaching, as well as practical tips for educators looking to incorporate outdoor learning into their practice.

As the academic year comes to an end, it's time to start thinking about how to support outdoor learning in the next academic year. Outdoor learning has numerous benefits for both students and teachers, including improved mental health and well-being. Integrating outdoor learning into the everyday curriculum is a great way to incorporate it into the school year. Even if a school has limited outdoor space, there are still plenty of activities that can be done in a concrete playground. Starting small and gradually expanding outdoor learning activities is key, as well as involving parents and providing appropriate training and resources.

In this conversation, Carol interviews Calum Wright, an outdoor learning specialist, about his journey into education and his 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 the development of independence and questioning skills. Calum shares his experiences as a teacher with ADHD and how outdoor learning has supported his mental health. They emphasize 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 emphasize 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, emphasizing the need to foster a love for nature in order 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.

Elaine Milne, head teacher at New Elgin Primary School, shares their journey in outdoor learning, highlighting significant progress despite initial vandalism challenges. The school gradually expanded outdoor activities to formal lessons, investing in playground markings, reading huts, and sensory areas, leading to increased student enthusiasm, engagement, and well-being. Support from the local community and parents, many of whom volunteer, has been strong. Although they faced obstacles like staff resistance, leadership support and staff willingness to try new things helped overcome them. Provisions for children with additional support needs are included, and future plans feature the Earth Garden project and involving older students in outdoor learning. Elaine advises starting small, integrating outdoor learning into the curriculum, and being organised to make learning more engaging and enjoyable.