As school comes to an end for the year, it’s the perfect time to encourage children to slow down and appreciate the wonders of the outdoors. Here are five fun and joyful ways to spend more time outdoors learning and playing before you break up. 

1. We love celebrating stories, myths and fables at this time of year. Bring some of this magic out of the books and into the playground with this interactive outdoor storytelling activity.

2. This outdoor treasure  hunt  game can be made easier or more challenging for children of any age. The children will love the combination of exploration, competition and treasures!

3. Bioblitz is a fun and easy activity that can be played anywhere, and doesn’t take a long time to plan! How many different species can the children find in five minutes? Speed hunting encourages observation, team work, excitement at discovery and a sense of wonder about what the school environment can offer.

4. To celebrate the shortest day in the northern hemisphere and the longest day in the southern hemisphere, make a sundial with your students. They can discover how to tell the time the natural way, learn how to use a compass and find out why we experience seasons in different countries around the world.

5. It’s fun to get creative at this time of year, making decorations, cards and gifts. Use natural materials in your next creations, this leaf and bark rubbings activity will inspire you.

Bonus tip:

Sign up for Outdoor Classroom Day 2018! Get a head start on your outdoor adventures for the coming year by signing up your class or whole school to Outdoor Classroom Day on 17 May or 1 November, or both!

Whatever you do, we hope you enjoy some outdoor fun! Share your adventures and creations with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram by using #OutdoorClassroomDay.