All Saints' C of E Primary School

Muddy Puddle is a type of engaging outdoor learning that allows our children to enjoy the great outdoors whilst still learning academic curriculum subjects. Being active muddy movers, improving mental health and appreciating nature are all part of these creative lessons.  The Muddy Puddle ideas are really fun and make the children feel as if they are playing whilst still learning at the same time. Time on our spectacular school field is usually a highlight of the week greatly enjoyed by staff and children alike!

Muddy Puddle learning is very much part of our curriculum offer, opening the doors to a more engaging, active and innovative outdoor curriculum as a key priority for 2020 and beyond. Our exciting journey hopes to balance more indoor teaching with the great outdoors whilst still covering the National Curriculum and Early Years Curriculum.

THE CORE PRINCIPLES OF ‘THE MUDDY PUDDLE APPROACH’ ARE BASED ON THE 3 M’S;

· MUDDY MOVERS! WE WILL KEEP CHILDREN MOVING- WE WILL ENGAGE THE CHILDREN WITH ACTIVE METHODS TO HELP THEM BETTER CONCENTRATE ON THEIR LEARNING WHILE ALSO IMPROVING THEIR PHYSICAL HEALTH.

· MUDDY MENTAL HEALTH. WE WILL TAKE TIME FOR MENTAL HEALTH- WE WILL FOCUS ON STRATEGIES THAT PROMOTE GOOD MENTAL HEALTH AND MAKE LEARNING FUN, INCLUSIVE AND ENJOYABLE FOR ALL.

· MUDDY NATURE. WE WILL EMBRACE MUD IN ALL ITS FORMS- WE WILL USE THE OUTSIDE AS OUR CLASSROOM AND NATURE FOR OUR RESOURCES.

Forest School sessions were always something we were passionate about, but now more than ever following Covid- 19, it is something we need to do more of as it is what the children need right now, plenty of fresh air, active learning, group work and fun!  The Coronavirus has generated more appreciation of the benefits that being outdoors can bring to us all. As Albert Einstein said: “In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity.” One of the few positive comes from the coronavirus outbreak appears to be greater appreciation of the wider benefits of spending more time with nature.

There is evidence that children learning outdoors have better attitudes to failure, improved mental resilience, more confidence, greater self-awareness and enhanced communication skills, which can in turn benefit their performance in the classroom. Another beneficial aspect of being outdoors is the psychological and wellbeing side of things.

You can find out more and get free resources for home at: www.themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk. There is also a parents Facebook group you can follow at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/211984348833470

Come rain, hail or shine, All Saints' children and staff will be found outdoors engaging in learning for life... take a look at some our class highlights so far...