Tons of Outdoor Learning Ideas for Kids

I know it’s still hot in a lot of places, but fall is a wonderful time for outdoor learning. If kids are learning at school, teachers might be looking for opportunities to get kids outside where they can distance more easily. If kids are learning at home, outdoor learning gives them a chance to get outside and away from the computer.

Teaching Ideas has gathered more than 60 options for outdoor learning including literacy, art, science, math and STEM. There are ideas that can be used throughout the year while other are suited for specific seasons (such as a solar oven or melting ice, or learning about hibernation).

Hopefully this collection will inspire you to remember that outdoor learning can and should be happening throughout the year and it doesn’t just have to be nature walks and scavenger hunts (though those things are great, too!). Even just taking reading or art class outside can make a big difference in kid’s (and teacher’s) attitudes and give everyone a different perspective on learning. Do you know a little gardener? Check out these DIY Garden Kits, perfect for gift giving.

[Photo: Teaching Ideas.]

Check out this article on the best STEM gifts for kids.

Check out our Online store for special buys on Educational gifts We find bulk items and end-of-stock supplies to bring you heavily discounted items. (make sure you check our store often so you don’t miss out on new stock). We also have some free printable files, including a Science PDF for learning about Microscopes.

We try to keep a relatively regular sleep schedule during the summer, but the morning routine kind of flies out the window when we don’t have anywhere in particular to be. To get little kids back in the groove of getting up and getting ready for school — or to help kids who are new to having a routine learn what to do when — printable routine cards can be a big help.

There are lots of different ways to do these. I like the flip chart style like this one from Mama Papa Bubba. This one is made with a file folder and you add magnets to each section so kids can close the flap on the items they’ve completed for the day. The post includes a free printable with some basic morning activities that kids can cut out and color.

Another version of this that is just paper comes from My Party Design. This one uses little pieces of peel and stick Velcro to close the sections when each step is completed, and there are versions for the morning and evening. (These are not free but might give you an idea of how to make your own with the steps you need.)

For a more detailed, full day schedule great for preschoolers, check out this one from The Savvy Sparrow. This paid resource includes tons of different icons from daily routine items to things like riding bikes, dance class and watering plants. There are 120 icons in all so you’re likely to find everything you need to visually build out your days.

If you want to see how a daily routine printable works for you without putting a lot of work in, try this printable checklist from Little Mager House. You can laminate it or stick it in a plastic sheet protector and mark off things as they get done. Then just wipe it off and start again the next day. This one is free when you sign up for emails.

Natural Beach Living has a free visual schedule printable with all sorts of items and including special things like picnics and nature walks. This one can be used at home or in the classroom and it includes days of the week. (Some of this is free for subscribers but there is also a bundle you can purchase.)

I also love the set of printable routine cards from Look We’re Learning, which includes a bunch of basic daily activities in both English and Spanish if you’re raising a bilingual child or just want to practice a little vocabulary. There are 16 activities in all and there’s a pronunciation guide if you need help with the Spanish. (This is a free resource for subscribers.)

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