With Covid-19 guidance suggesting we spend more time outdoors, teachers are finding that discussion of ideas can feel more informal when exploring the outside world.

For example, when gardening with a Key Stage 2 group, a request not to forget the roots when weeding, led one child to pull the heads off the plants.  Further discussion revealed that he did not know what roots were, or that a nearby tree was a plant. Such informal discussions may feel less threatening outside because there is not a sense that the whole class is watching, supporting children like this one to openly discuss their ideas. Identification of misconceptions or gaps in learning can be addressed in discussion at the time, or used to help decide the next or future activities.

Sandford Hill Primary School, Stoke on Trent