Natural Connections Foundations

• The Natural Connections Foundations programme is aimed at Primary 1-3 and builds on the Forest Kindergarten experiences encouraging regular opportunities to learn outdoors.

• Participate in 4 elements for at least 5 hours per element.

• Time commitment at least 20 hours plus time to produce a record of experiences.

• A journey of 2-3 hours is required depending on the age.

Natural Connections is an outdoor learning programme developed by the Countryside section of Community Services, Fife Council. They have kindly granted East Lothian Council's Outdoor Learning Service permission to administer it within ELC.

This is free to schools and will be supported by a member of OLS.

Sample programme:

Explore and Discover:

Outdoor treasure hunt – to fit in with pirate topic.

Colour catchers – find as many different colours in nature to create artist’s palette.

Explorers – time for free exploration in new area in the woods and talk about something that interests them.

Meet a tree – with a partner pick a tree and describe it to them, create tree rubbings.

Wildlife survey: create survey in class and tick off the elements.

Fossil hunt

Seashore beastie hunt (animal detectives)

Awareness of tidal pattern through regular visits to shoreline.

Personal safety – Keep and adult within your sight at all times. 

Adventure Play:

Structured play outdoors – finding numbers in the environment, writing letters and numbers.

Den building – as a class build a small shelter.

Outdoor cooking – roasting marshmallows.

Local wildlife – explore the woods acting like a specific animal.

Drama – a range of activities exploring wildlife.

Improvisation in natural environment (beach, woods)

Treasure hunt (themed) 

Helping Hands:

Musical instruments – collect objects in nature and objects to recycle into musical instruments.

RSPB Bird Survey – whole school bird watch.

Making homes for wildlife – discuss what is needed and find materials to make.

Litter pick up – pick up litter on our route to the woods.

Garden club – in groups help to maintain the nursery garden.

Planting plants which will attract butterflies.

Build a bug hotel and resting boxes with help from Countryside Ranger. 

Walkabout:

Community walk – walk around the village to explore our local environment.

Learn about our local church, and its wildlife.

Twig star – gather materials in the woods to create a twig star.

Explore a new local area.

Longer journey – plan a longer journey together including lunch.

Build up to walking to summit on East Lomond with picnic lunch. 

Introduce geo-caching as incentive to go further afield. 

Telling Stories:

After each outdoor session pupils will share their learning in our ‘Primary 1 Big Learning Book’

Photographs of each session combined into a PowerPoint.

Wall display

Link with drama/group discussions/sharing feelings

P2 pupil council reps intend to film some of our activities to show at assembly to link in with a good listening/behaviour initiative.

Link field experiences/activities to imagination writing (dens, fairies, etc.) 

To book Natural Connections please email your interest to outdoorlearning@elcschool.org.uk