We exist to support schools to take their pupils outside for learning and exploration. On this page we’re sharing a selection of useful lesson plans, gardening and nature-based activities, plus videos and guidance to support even the most cautious teacher to take their class outside.
Food growing
Taken from our Growbag Toolkits we’re sharing some jobs, activities and ideas to keep you inspired and busy in the garden.
Tools and materials for your school garden
A useful list of garden tools and equipment you will need for running a successful school garden, plus some nice to haves.
Collecting seeds
A great activity that links to the curriculum, encourages sustainable practices, saves you buying seeds next year and can be shared them with the children for sowing and growing at home. Here’s how!
Making leaf mould
Gathering fallen autumn leaves is a fun and important job. The children love it and by next year you’ll have some wonderful rich compost to add to your beds.
Garlic-growing guide
A simple guide to growing, caring for, and harvesting garlic, taken from The Growbag Toolkit. Perfect for EYFS and primary schools to enjoy hands-on gardening.
Guidance & ideas for outdoor learning
Whether you’re new to outdoor learning or are working with a new class, we’ve put together some useful videos and information that share our teams experience and that aim to help you plan ahead for taking your class outside.
Managing class behaviour
This video supports teachers to take their class outside with tips and tricks to ensure everyone benefits from being outdoors.
Teamwork
In this video we explore how teamwork can be improved and supported to ensure that everyone stays on task, engaged and enjoying their learning.
The whistle game
A firm favourite with us, children and teachers. This simple game is invaluable for settling a class outside and getting them ready for learning.
Challenging behaviour
This video offers ideas and practical solutions to help support children who struggle to regulate their emotions while outside so your whole class can reap the benefits.
Deepening learning
This video explores ways to encourage a deeper learning experience when outside. It also highlights the benefits of regular outdoor learning.
Evidencing work
This video demonstrates how, by using photographs and cheap white shower curtains, you can evidence the children’s outdoor work indoors.
Working in playgrounds
Having little or no green space doesn’t reduce the experience for your class. Being outside anywhere offers great opportunities to get creative and stimulate young imaginations.
Modelling
This video demonstrates how our lesson and associated work sheets support the process of modelling when your class is working outside.
Risk benefit approach to risk assessment
A risk benefit approach allows you to involve your class in talking through the potential risks of an activity before they do it. Over time they learn to self -regulate and make their own appropriate choices in “risky” situations.
General guidelines for using natural materials
Working with natural materials fires the children’s imagination, they enjoy it, the results are beautiful, it connects them with the environment, expands their vocabulary, and enhances their learning experience. Take a look at these simple guidelines.
Clothing, equipment and useful resources for outdoor learning
Most of the resources you may need to take lessons outside are no different than those you use indoors and are readily available in school. Thinking outdoor clothing can be daunting but we suggest keeping it simple.
Top ten tips for successful outdoor learning
Take a look at our top ten tips for making your outdoor learning a success.
Nature-based learning
Taken from our Plants, Animals, Water & Soil (PAWS) programme. These lessons and activities help children deepen and broaden their understanding of nature and encourage them to investigate, observe, and connect with the natural world on their doorstep.
Tree Identification
Take a closer look at trees in or around your school grounds. This is a great activity to revisit every term and track seasonal change.
Senses
A sensory version of I-spy encouraging children to observe the school grounds and garden through each season of the year. Combining this sensory game with some harvesting and tasting makes it an even better game!
Outdoor learning
We’re sharing a selection of lesson and activity plans from our work in schools, and our Growbag KS1 & 2 Science Curriculum Scheme of Work and Early Years Activity plans.
Using easily sourced or natural materials these lessons and activities are resource light and ready to go.
Early Years –
Autumn Animals Activity
An opportunity for children to explore the natural world and understand processes and changes such as the seasons, animal habits and life cycles.
Wellbeing Pack
15 new outdoor activities for the start of a school year that support focus, reflection and emotional regulation.
Key Stage 1 –
Science: Animal Cafe
Children choose an animal, think about habitats, diet and survival requirements and create miniature cafés to fulfil the needs of their animal.
Key Stage 2 –
Literacy: Magic Potions
A fun and messy activity for all ages. Children make a magic potion, noting down what they are putting in to use for instructional writing, a spell or a piece of creative writing.
Key Stage 2 –
Rivers: scheme of work
A pack of 10 lesson plans and activity sheets to support an outdoor learning scheme around rivers.
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SEND Activities
We believe all children, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to engage with the outdoors and experience the wonders of nature at their own pace and level. From promoting nature connection through MIND’s Five Ways to Wellbeing to The Growbag’s seasonal SEND booklet, our activities ensure that everyone can benefit from learning outside.
Outdoor Wellbeing Activity Pack
This pack includes 25 outdoor activities inspired by NHS and Mind’s Five Ways to Wellbeing. Each activity is designed to support children’s well-being and foster connection in nature.
Seasonal SEND Activity: Seeds, planting and flowers
Now that spring is here, have fun exploring the commonest plant of all – the wonderful dandelion! This free SEND activity sheet offers up a selection of ideas from engagement model, pre-key stage and beyond.
