This blog is all about outdoor learning ideas for schools. In recent years, the importance of outdoor learning has gained significant recognition in the field of education.

Outdoor learning can be highly beneficial for autistic children or children with sensory processing disorders.

It can provide them with sensory experiences, physical activity, and opportunities for social interaction.

It also allows them to connect with nature, engage in hands-on experiences, and develop an understanding of the world around them.

By taking the classroom outside, educators can foster a love for learning while promoting physical and emotional well-being.

In this blog we explore some exciting outdoor learning products and ideas for schools.

Nature Walks

Immerse your students in the wonders of nature within your own school grounds. Encourage them to explore different textures, smells, sounds and bugs in the natural environment.

Our exploring nature kits contain all you need to explore nature. Each kit comes complete with jigsaw puzzles depicting the lifestyle stages of different bugs.

Combine with simple activities such as tree and leaf rubbings to enable children to have a hands on tactile experience.

Sensory Gardens

Sensory gardens are the perfect calm, safe space for children to relax, de-stress and engage with the environment.  They can also help to prevent meltdowns or distressing behaviours.

Look to include plants with various textures, scents, and colours. This provides opportunities for the children to engage in gardening activities such as planting, watering, and harvesting, which have many proven health benefits.

Why not try our Colour Changing Mood Lights to create a calming, colourful display or use the Ortoto Puzzle Play mats to design tactile sensory paths leading around the garden.

Easy Hold Discovery Sets have enclosed lenses to change the colour of things children see, as well as a giant magnifier and mirrors to give true and distorted reflections of the world around them.

Outdoor Art Activities

Set up an outdoor art station where children can engage in activities like painting, drawing, and sculpting using natural materials like leaves, flowers, and twigs.

Use smooth, tactile Rainbow Pebbles to help develop counting, sorting, creative design and fine motor skills.

Obstacle Courses

Design sensory-friendly obstacle courses with activities like build n balance course sets, balance pods, step a logs and river stones. These all help improve motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness.

Sensory Play Zones

Set up designated areas with sensory play materials like sand and water tables and tactile objects. This encourages exploration and helps develop fine motor skills.

Our outdoor exploration kits provide all the essentials for messy play!

Outdoor Music Sessions

Engage children in music and rhythm activities using outdoor instruments like drums, chimes, and rainmakers. The open space allows for free movement and sensory engagement and the music can help to soothe and relax.

Wooden musical instruments and light up sensory tambourines are guaranteed to get the music flowing!

Social Play Areas

Designate outdoor spaces for structured social play and include a variety of different play items to promote cooperative play, turn-taking and social interaction.

Ideal products are multi-coloured parachutes, climbing toys such as koala with feet and throwing games and tactile discs.

Den Making

Including a designated ‘den area’ will not only provide a calm and safe area for children to have ‘time-out, but can also be used for small, focused group activities and reading sessions.

Try our Teepee Tent or Pop up Blackout Dens.

Remember, it's essential to adapt these activities to the individual needs and preferences of the children.

Consult with professionals, such as special education teachers or therapists, to create personalized outdoor learning experiences for autistic children.