Breaking into the Playground Carol Murdoch

Judy Duncan, a teacher with a passion for outdoor learning, shares her journey and experiences. She discovered the benefits of outdoor learning when she took her primary six class outside for short periods every day, which greatly improved their concentration and behavior. Judy emphasizes the importance of making connections with the real world through outdoor learning and believes that children should have the opportunity to meet different people and experience different places. She also highlights the value of incorporating nature into lessons and the positive impact it has on students. Judy provides practical examples of whole school outdoor days, emphasizing the simplicity and low resource requirements. She encourages teachers to plan their week as normal and then consider what activities could be taken outside to enhance learning. Judy envisions outdoor learning becoming a regular part of every teacher's approach, with more resources and support available for upper stages and specialist nature teachers.


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In this podcast episode, we delve into the importance of getting primary 7 students outdoors during the summer term, highlighting the challenges of finding time for outdoor activities and the myriad benefits of outdoor learning in reducing stress and anxiety while fostering holistic development. We discuss various activities like nature scavenger hunts and sensory exploration, emphasizing the role of senses and observation skills in connecting with nature. Incorporating art and team-building exercises enhances the outdoor learning experience, promoting strong relationships among students. Furthermore, mindfulness activities such as deep breathing and nature journaling are underscored for their role in promoting relaxation and reflection. Ultimately, outdoor learning not only benefits students academically and emotionally but also fosters a lifelong appreciation for the natural world and environmental stewardship.
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Juliet Robertson, an education consultant specializing in learning and play outdoors, shares her journey with acute myeloid leukemia and the importance of open conversations about death. She emphasizes the need for teachers to slow down and take care of their mental health. Juliet provides several tips for educators, including focusing on values, minimizing planning time, teaching outside more, and finding healthy passions outside of teaching. She also discusses the impact of collaborative work in the outdoor learning community in Scotland and the importance of play in education. The conversation explores the challenges and benefits of outdoor learning for teachers. It emphasizes the importance of stepping back and allowing students to take ownership of their learning. The conversation also highlights the need for teachers to have confidence in their role as facilitators and to know when and how to intervene appropriately. The speakers discuss the importance of mindset over confidence when it comes to teaching outside and offer advice on overcoming barriers. They also emphasize the value of developing school grounds and the positive impact it can have on both students and the community.


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In this conversation, Carol discusses her experience with hay fever and shares her top tips for managing it while working outdoors. In the second part of the conversation, Carol recommends the book 'Wild Woman' by Philippa Forrester, which shares empowering stories of women who work in nature. She reflects on her own journey as an outdoor practitioner and emphasizes that anyone can enjoy and teach in the outdoors, regardless of qualifications or background. Carol concludes by mentioning upcoming events and resources related to outdoor learning.


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In this episode, Carol is joined by Lindsay Shepherd, a teacher in Aberdeen City. Lindsay shares her journey and experiences in outdoor education. She discusses her time with Tinkergarten in the US and how it inspired her to bring outdoor learning to Scotland.
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In this episode, Carol discusses place responsive education and the use of technology in outdoor learning. She also shares insights from a study by Gemma Goldenberg on the benefits of outdoor learning. Carol answers questions about providing outdoor learning with limited resources, managing outdoor learning with minimal staff, and the curriculum coverage of outdoor learning.
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