Outdoor LearningOutdoor LearningProjectProject
Parent Information
St Andrew’s Nursery Class
20th March 2013
National Agenda• What is Outdoor Learning?
• Why is Outdoor Learning important?• Development of critical skills (cooperation, self awareness, risk assessment
etc)• Health• Global citizenship• Fundamental human need to be connected with nature
• What are the benefits?• DVD• Consultation with parents• Involvement in your child’s learning
Benefits - Outdoor Education
• Increased Self-esteem & Confidence• Personal and Social Development• Independence• Concentration• Physical Activity• Small Risk Management• Working With Others as a Group• Problem Solving• Thinking Skills
The importance of Play• 22% of children aged 6 in Scotland are overweight (9% obese)• 15% of children aged 6 exercise for less than the
recommended level of 60 minutes daily• 31% of children have 3 or more hours of screen time daily• Only half of children aged 6 play outside every day (this includes
playtime)
• One third of children aged 6 have never climbed a treeSource – Growing Up in Scotland Survey (GUS)
Children have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities.
UNCRC Article 31
Woodland Visits – Callendar Park• Children will be split into groups of 10
• Three adults will support each group (at least one member of staff)
• Morning & Afternoon groups will go during the normal session. Your child will walk to the site from nursery.
• You will be notified of the dates when your child will take part in the visits.
Our Outdoor Session
• Arrive at Nursery at usual time
• Please ensure your child is suitably dressed for the weather
• Children will then walk to CallendarPark
• Children will spend approximately 2 hours in woodland/green space before returning to nursery for usual collection time.
Clothing
• Suitable/old trousers and jackets - clothing is likely to get wet and muddy. The nursery will supply all weather suits.
• Warm clothing - including hats, gloves and scarves
• Wellington boots or waterproof boots
Toileting in the Woods
• Please ensure that your child has been to the toilet before coming to the woods.
• Should your child need the toilet when they are out a member of staff will take them to discrete place in the woods
Snack Time
• All children will be provided with a snack during their visit to the Woodland Classroom
• On cold days children (and helpers) will be offered a hot drink