Outdoor Learning Scheme of Work Ages 7 to 8 Overview

Ages 7–8 Outdoor Curriculum Overview

🌳 Term 1 — Weeks 1–10

Week	Lesson	Theme	Curriculum Links	Summary
1	CLAY NATURE PRINTS	Creativity	Art: exploring texture	Children will explore the outdoors to collect various natural items (leaves, twigs, flowers) and use them to create impressions in air-dry clay.
2	ID ROCKS	Creativity	Science: identifying plants	For this week’s outdoor session children will explore the outdoor space to identify various plants and trees. They will then decorate rocks with the names of the identified plants and place them underneath the respective plants or trees for others to see and use.
3	NATURE MUSEUM	Creativity	Science: observation	In this week’s activity, students will collect six (or 12) unique and interesting natural items. They will place each item in a compartment of an egg box and create a “nature museum.
4	ANDY GOLDSWORTHY ART	Creativity	Art: Exploring natural materials	In this outdoor lesson, students will create their own piece of art inspired by the works of Andy Goldsworthy. Using natural materials found in their surroundings, they will design and create an ephemeral artwork, engaging with nature and exploring their creativity.
5	FREE SESSION	Creativity	Misc	This session gives students the opportunity to explore and interact with the outdoors in any way they like.
6	MINEFIELD	Communication	English: instructions	For this session students will work in groups of 5 or 4 to write and follow a set of instructions to navigate from one side of an outdoor area to the other. One child will be blindfolded and guided by their teammates’ instructions.
7	MUD BAKE OFF	Communication	English:	In this lesson, students will work in groups to bake a mud masterpiece using mud and natural materials they find outdoors. After creating their dish, they will present it to the class, focusing on clear and engaging communication.
8	HAND SIGNALS NUMBERS:	Communication	English: instructions	In this outdoor session, students will create and use hand signals to communicate with their partners in an outdoor space. The session starts with the whole class developing a set of signals, which the teacher will test.
9	JAIL BREAK	Communication	PE: teamwork & strategy	For this session your class will play a fun outdoor team game. Nature-Themed Hide and Seek Jail Break involves children hiding while one or two “seekers” try to find them.
10	FREE SESSION	Communication	Misc	This session gives students the opportunity to explore and interact with the outdoors in any way they like.

🍃 Term 2 — Weeks 1–10

Week	Lesson	Theme	Curriculum Links	Summary
1	DIY BIRD FEEDERS	Reflection	Science: animals & habitats	In this outdoor lesson, students will create simple bird feeders using recycled materials. They will then place the feeders in designated areas and spend time observing the birds that come to visit.
2	MAGNIFYING FUN	Reflection	Science: animals & habitats	In this outdoor lesson, students will explore their natural environment using magnifying glasses and a microscope. They will observe various natural objects (leaves, insects, soil, etc.) and note their findings.
3	NATURE JOURNAL	Reflection	English: writing	This week’s session is the first of two where students will be introduced to the concept of a nature journal. They will learn what a nature journal is, see examples of different kinds of entries, and begin creating their own by designing a front cover.
4	NATURE JOURNAL SESSION 2	Reflection	English: writing	This session is a continuation from last week’s Nature Journal session. Students will continue their nature journals by creating their first entry.
5	FREE SESSION	Reflection	Misc	This session gives students the opportunity to explore and interact with the outdoors in any way they like. Encourage students to bring their journals out with them for the free play session.
6	TWIG BOATS	Independence	Science: materials and properties	Students will create a twig boat by tying together sticks to form a flat raft. Two additional sticks will be placed on top for structural support.
7	KNOT KNOWLEDGE	Independence	Misc	In this session students will learn to tie three or four simple knots: the square knot, the clove hitch, the bowline, and the figure-eight knot. This hands-on activity encourages fine motor skills, patience, and practical application of knot- tying techniques, which can be…
8	MAP DRAWING	Independence	Geography: maps	In this week’s session, students will explore their outdoor area and draw a detailed map, highlighting key features such as trees, pathways, playground equipment, and any other notable landmarks.
9	ROCK HIDE & SEEK	Independence	Science: animal adaptations	They will then search for the rock they painted.
10	FREE SESSION	Independence	Misc	This session gives students the opportunity to explore and interact with the outdoors in any way they like. Encourage students to bring their journals out with them for the free play session.

🍂 Term 3 — Weeks 1–10

Week	Lesson	Theme	Curriculum Links	Summary
1	STICK PICTURE FRAME	Creativity	Art: different materials	This hands-on activity allows them to explore their creativity by crafting a picture frame from sticks and string. They will practice tying a clove hitch and use it to construct a sturdy frame before decorating it using other natural finds.
2	LEAF CLAY BOWL	Creativity	Art: different materials	In this session students will transform leaves into beautiful art! Students will make their very own leaf clay bowls.
3	HANGING ART	Creativity	Art: different materials	Students will work in pairs to create a piece of natural art using a good-sized stick and various natural and found objects (e.g., leaves, flowers, smaller sticks, trash). The activity will emphasize creativity, teamwork, and develop their knot tying skills.
4	STAINED GLASS CHALK	Creativity	Art: abstract art	In this outdoor activity, students will create stained glass chalk art. In groups of four, they will use the sticks to form a large square on the ground and then create 2D shapes within the square, ensuring all lines connect.
5	FREE SESSION	Creativity	Misc	This session gives students the opportunity to explore and interact with the outdoors in any way they like.
6	BLINDFOLDED WALK	Communication	Science: senses	To start off the term students will participate in a blindfolded walk where all but the front person are blindfolded.
7	BLINDFOLDED SCAVENGER HUNT	Communication	Science: senses	One student will be blindfolded while the other holds a scavenger hunt card with four items to find. Once all items are collected, partners will swap roles and repeat the process.
8	FOXES & RABBITS	Communication	Misc	In this outdoor lesson, students will engage in a lively and dynamic game called “Foxes and Rabbits.” This activity is designed to get students moving and thinking strategically while working together to achieve a common goal. The game involves running, quick decision-making,…
9	TREASURE TRAIL	Communication	English: persuasive language	In this week’s outdoor lesson, students will explore their surroundings, use their creativity, and practice their communication skills. The session starts with a fun activity where students collect an item from nature and persuade their peers why their item is the best.
10	FREE SESSION	Communication	Misc	This session gives students the opportunity to explore and interact with the outdoors in any way they like.

⭐ Bonus Lessons

#	Lesson	Theme	Curriculum Links	Summary
1	YOGA CARDS	General	P.E: strength & balance	Today’s session is designed to help students connect with nature while practicing mindfulness and physical fitness. Working in pairs, students will cycle through various poses, learning to communicate and support each other.
2	OUTDOOR READING	General	English: reading	Today’s lesson is all about enjoying the pleasure of reading in the natural environment. After that, each student will choose their own book and find a quiet spot to read it.
3	LEAF SPECIES HUNT	General	Science: classification	This activity encourages curiosity, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
4	NATURE PICNIC	General	Misc	In this lesson, students will enjoy a picnic lunch in nature, fostering social skills and an appreciation for the environment. They will participate in planning and organizing the picnic by deciding what to bring and then sharing a meal together outdoors.
5	PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT	Independence	ICT: digital devices	In this outdoor lesson, students will participate in a photo scavenger hunt where they will work in pairs or individually to explore their surroundings and capture photos of various items listed on their scavenger hunt sheet. By the end of the lesson, students will have a deeper …
6	THE SQUIRREL GAME	Independence	Science: animal behavior	In this week’s lesson, students will participate in a fun activity called the Squirrel Game, designed to mimic the behavior of squirrels gathering and hiding food for winter. During the game, students will enhance their physical coordination, strategic thinking, and…
7	TREE EXPLORING	Independence	Science: habitats	This outdoor lesson will explore tree biodiversity in trees by shaking branches and observing the insects and small organisms that fall onto a large white sheet placed underneath.
8	NATURE MUSIC	Creativity	Music: different sounds	In this outdoor lesson, students will explore their natural surroundings to find items they can use to create a variety of sounds. After gathering and experimenting with different objects, they will come together to share their discoveries and the sounds they have created.