Experience the wonders of the Great Outdoors with this simple Colours of Nature resource. This resource is for use in the outdoors and also in a classroom setting. This resource is suitable for both KS1 and KS2 levels. It can be used as a stand-alone resource within a Forest Schools or Outdoor Learning context and can also support extended Literacy-based activities or Art. The resources develops great self-awareness and further interest about the wider world around us. Especially focusing on Nature’s diverse range of colours. It can also help to develop simple Literacy skills through descriptive sentence work and poetry. It also provides children with the opportunity to develop nature’s colourful pallete through painting and colour mixing. More information can be found on my website www.garethmate.com

This simple lesson focuses on how to use your senses in the Great Outdoors. It focuses on exploring Trees and developing work around them. I have used this as a stand-alone lesson with a group of 8 & 9-year-olds. It can be adapted to suit any age group and of course can be changed to suit the needs of the group. I used a variety of learning strategies to develop curiosity and overall interest. This resource worked well and generated a wealth of ideas for further use. More information can be found on my website www.garethmate.com

Outdoor Learning - Bug Hunt. This is a perfect little activity which encourages any pupil to get outside and simply explore their surroundings. The main focus of this activity is to look for all types of Bugs, identify them, draw them and complete a creative poster all about them. It is a lot fun and always has an interesting outcome. Thanks for looking at this resource. www.garethmate.com

Experience the wonders of the Great Outdoors with this simple Observation Alphabet resource. For use in the outdoors and also back in the classroom. This resource is suitable for both KS1 and KS2 levels. It can be used as a stand-alone resource within a Forest Schools or Outdoor Learning context and can also support extended Literacy-based activities. The resources develops great self-awareness and further interest about the wider world around us. It also helps to develop simple Literacy skills through descriptive sentence work and poetry. More information can be found on my website www.garethmate.com

Leaves are pretty fantastic, all different shapes, sizes and colours. They can be easily used as the ideal resource, which can help with Speaking and Listening activities, as well as Creative Writing tasks. I feel the possibilities are endless. I have compiled a simple activity that helps promote Creative Writing in your class. It can be adapted to suit the needs of the audience or age group. I have even added suitable suggestions for integrating ICT and the use of the iPad or Tablet. This task has been ideal for my class of 8 & 9 year olds, but can be easily adapted and used in all age ranges.

Weather Diary for any age range in KS1 or KS2. This simple resource allows the children to record the daily weather on a record sheet. They can match the weather to the specific day and record the results through writing and also pictures.

Here is the first list of ideas in my series of Creative Writing prompts. The purpose of these writing prompts is to encourage both children and adults to get outside, be inspired by their natural surroundings and start writing. These prompts focus on Trees.