Hello Everyone Two new resources have just been published online for Outdoor Learning! Now that's exciting! These are official Scottish documents from the new education agency Education Scotland (formerly 2 organisations - HMIe and LTS) They are unusual in that: 1) The information is as much practical as it is theory/statements 2) There's a big emphasis on the benefits of children connecting with nature throughout the documents (esp the 2nd one) 3) The benefits of free play for children of all ages is referred to in many sections - sustainable development, fostering creativity, learning beyond school, etc. I think this is quite a milestone in terms of the education sector recognising the potential and actual contribution of play. ......................................................................................... 1) Outdoor Learning: Practical guidance, ideas and support for teachers and practitioners in Scotland http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/resources/o/outdoorlearningpracticalguidanceideasandsupportforteachersandpractitionersinscotland.asp?strReferringChannel=learningteachingandassessment&strReferringPageID=tcm:4-606688-64 This resource provides practical, accessible and straightforward advice on how to engage children and young people with learning outdoors. It incorporates ideas for organising learning in the outdoors, for making connections across the curriculum and for planning within curriculum areas. It also includes a CPD framework and supporting materials. 2) Building your Curriculum: Outside and In http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/resources/b/buildingyourcurriculumoutsideandin.asp?strReferringChannel=learningteachingandassessment&strReferringPageID=tcm:4-606688-64 Building your Curriculum: Outside and In supports a strategic approach to the development of outdoor learning and provides a framework and process for collaborative planning and review. As an active and productive pedagogy, outdoor learning is an integral part of good practice within learning and teaching. Planning for regular, frequent learning outdoors ensures that progressive and sustainable outdoor learning opportunities are embedded in the curriculum and that they form a central part of the vision and ethos of the school or centre. Best wishes Juliet