As an enthusiast of outdoor learning, Gemma Clark was excited to discover that AI can suggest a plethora of learning activities suitable for any environment.
Outdoor learning is a crucial element in primary and early education. In an ideal scenario, we would all have access to woodlands and beaches, enabling us to engage in the diverse array of outdoor learning activities showcased on platforms like Pinterest. However, the unfortunate reality is that, for many of us, the playground resembles more of a concrete jungle. Adapt these activities to the age and abilities of the children and encourage their curiosity and creativity as they explore and learn in the concrete playground.
Prompt: Suggest outdoor learning activities for children I can do in a concrete playground.
Nature scavenger hunt Even in a concrete playground, you can hide small natural objects like leaves, pebbles, or flowers. Give children a list of items to find, encouraging observation skills.
Pavement chalk art Use colourful chalk to create art and educational games like hopscotch, number lines, or spelling words.
Shadow tracing Have children trace the shadows of various objects at different times of the day. Discuss how the position of the sun affects the length and direction of shadows.
Maths in action Use the playground’s lines, shapes, and measurements to teach maths concepts. Have children estimate distances, count steps, or explore symmetry.
Story stones Paint or draw pictures on stones to represent characters, objects, or scenes from stories. Encourage children to use the stones to create their own imaginative stories.
Sensory exploration Set up sensory stations with materials like sand, water, leaves, and smooth rocks. Children can explore textures, make patterns, and describe their findings.
Plant observation Even in pots or small spaces, you can plant seeds or small plants. Have children document growth and changes over time.
Mathematical patterns Use objects like cones, sticks, or even skipping ropes to create patterns on the ground. Children can extend the patterns or create their own.
Outdoor science experiments Conduct simple science experiments like observing how water evaporates on a sunny day or how objects cast shadows.
Nature art Collect fallen leaves, petals, or twigs to create art pieces. You can make leaf rubbings, create collages, or design temporary installations.
Outdoor reading corner Create a cosy reading corner with cushions and blankets. Children can enjoy books related to nature or any topic you are studying.
Map exploration Draw a map of the playground and mark different areas with symbols. Use this map to guide children on exploration journeys.
Alphabet hunt Have children search for objects in the playground that begin with each letter of the alphabet.
Obstacle course Design a fun and educational obstacle course that incorporates physical activity with learning challenges like solving maths problems or answering trivia questions.
Weather observations Record daily weather conditions and changes in the sky. Discuss patterns and how weather affects the environment.
Author: Gemma Clark
Gemma Clark
Gemma Clark is an author and experienced primary teacher based in Scotland. This article is adapted from her book Artificial Intelligence in the classroom: saving you time, cutting your workload and enhancing your creativity, published by Crown House Publishing on 29th February 2024.
