Outdoors and Up For It

Outdoors and Up For It Book v2 27/02/2012 13:54 Page 1
Contents
Earth 3 Air 35
Nature Stories 4 Mobiles 36
Stick People 5 Leaf Kebabs 37
Stick Vehicles 6 Fish Kites 38
Mini Dens 7 Rope Swings 39
Magic Doors 8 Rope Pulley Transporters 40
Elder Jewellery 9 Catapults 41
Clay Pots 10 Wind and Fire Sculptures 42
Clay Jewellery 11 Poems 43
Clay Tree Spirits 12 Willow Fish 44
Day Beasts 13 Hammocks 45
Wooden Dagger and Aeroplane 14
Journey Sticks 15 Water 47
Picture Frames and Mobiles 16 Pipe Transporters 48
Waterproof Dens 49
Fire 17 Mud Pies 50
Creating a Fire Area 18 Magic Potions 51
Collecting Materials for Fires 19 Felt 52
Fire Safety 20 Boats 53
Paper and Matches 21 Rope Bridge 54
Fire Strikers 22 Plaster of Paris Shapes 55
Other Fire Lighting Methods 23 Pewter Jewellery 56
Boiling Water 24 Barefoot Texture Trail 57
Making Tea or Hot Chocolate 25 Volcanoes 58
Leek and Potato Soup 26
Dampers 27
Tortillas 28
Robin Hood
Natural Dyed Hats/Fire Purse 29
Buns 30
Charcoal Pencil 31
Clearing Up 32
Fire Ceremony 33
2 ©Archimedes Training Ltd 2012

Earth
©Archimedes Training Ltd 2012 3

Earth
Nature Stories
Environment: Quiet and comfortable Ages: All
Resources: Method:
Book such as The Stick Man or Children sit comfortably on ground, rugs
Imagination or cushions in a chosen location.
Rugs or cushions Rugs can be made available to put around
Props such as puppets or nature children if the weather is chilly.
Set the scene; quiet voices attract
attention.
Introduce props if you are using them.
Read your story, either from book or
your imagination.
Use intonation, rhythm and tone to
emphasise different aspects of the story.
Outcomes:
Develops concentration, listening skills
and imagination

Earth
Stick People
Environment: Anywhere Ages: 3+
Resources: Method:
Sticks Depending on your group you can show a
String, wool, elastic bands, wire few different variations to inspire.
Natural items such as leaves Demonstrate how to tie things together
Collecting tins, bags, baskets with different resources.
Group can gather natural resources.
Use collected resources to make your
people.
Children can name and tell a story about
their people.
Outcomes:
Fine and gross motor skills
Discovering the natural world around

Earth
Stick Vehicles
Resources: Method:
Natural items such as leaves, seeds Show a few different vehicles to inspire.
and sticks Demonstrate how to drill and join wheels
8cm wood 5–10 cm in diameter and body together.
Saw, gloves and drill (electric or hand) Using correct sawing positions and glove
4 x 2 cm dowel or thin pieces of wood on supporting hand cut 4 discs 1 cm
same size as drill bit, or screws thick.
Drill 4 holes in sides of remaining wood.
Use a dowel, twig or screws to join
wheels to wood.
Outcomes:
Gross and fine motor skills
Paired and individual working
Using natural resources

Earth
Mini Dens
Environment: Woodlands or areas with lots of Ages: 3+
natural resources
Resources: Method:
Natural items such as leaves, seeds You can determine if you use just natural
and sticks resources or include wool, string or other
String or wool and a piece of cloth items to inspire.
per child Children can work on their own or with
someone else. You can set a theme,
e.g, dragons, fairies, elves, aliens, time
travellers, ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of
here’, army, pirates. You can set time
limits, or not; you could set boundaries
to work in.
Build dens to any design and using as
many or as few resources as possible.
You could ask the children to build in
qualities such as waterproof, wind proof,
snow proof, animal proof – and then
pour water over the dens at the end to
test them.
Go around everyone and ask them to tell
a story.
Outcomes:
Gross and fine motor skills Discovery of properties of natural
Individual working materials
Imagination

Earth
Magic Doors
Environment: Comfy sitting area with place to saw Ages: 6+
and use tools
Resources: Method:
Block or piece of wood per person Using the correct sawing methods cut a
4 cm to 12 cm piece of wood to the desired size.
Saw Use a knife or sandpaper to smooth
Chisels if required.
Sandpaper Use a pen to draw on the desired shapes.
Pyrograph set Use a pencil or pen or chisel relief
Hammer as desired.
Gloves Paint door.
Beads, wire, small nails If choosing to use the pyrography tool
mark out the patterns required with the
Paints, pens, varnish
hot iron, or use a dark colour pen.
Varnish.
Outcomes:
Gross and fine motor skills Discovery of textures of different types
Individual working of wood
Creativity

Earth
Elder Jewellery
Environment: Anywhere quiet and comfy to sit Ages: 4+
Resources: Method:
Green elder, 12 cm per person Using the loppers in pairs cut the elder
Secateurs or loppers into 1 cm lengths.
Knife Peel bark with fingers.
Sandpaper Use nail to hollow out pith.
String or wool or leather cord Use knife to chamfer edges.
Nail or sharp stick Sand to smooth if required.
Thread beads.
Tie string or wool to create a
continual loop.
Outcomes:
Fine motor skills Discovery of textures of different
Individual working types of wood
Textures and smells of wood
Creativity

Earth
Clay Pots
Environment: Safe place for the kiln or fire circle Ages: 4+
Resources: Method:
Clay Place sawdust in the bottom of the
Incinerator bin and flag stone or fire pit incinerator.
Sawdust, fuel and fire lighting kit Make pots out of clay.
Fire First Aid kit Place into sawdust and cover.
Welder’s gloves Light fire and when very hot (700
degrees) cover with lid.
Leave to burn out and cool completely.
Remove pots.
Outcomes:
Fine motor skills
Creativity
Changing materials
Discovery of textures of different
types of clay

Earth
Clay Jewellery
Environment: Safe place for the kiln or fire circle Ages: 6+
Resources: Method:
Clay Place sawdust in the bottom of the
Incinerator bin and flag stone or fire pit incinerator.
Sawdust, fuel and fire lighting kit Make beads by wrapping clay around a
Fire First Aid kit stick or shaping into balls with holes
through the middle.
Welder’s gloves
Place into sawdust and cover.
String, thread or wool
Light fire and when very hot (700
degrees) cover with lid.
Leave to burn out and cool completely.
Remove beads.
Thread on to string or wool or cord.
Outcomes:
Fine motor skills Creativity
Changing materials Discovery of textures of different
Creativity types of wood

Earth
Clay Tree Spirits

Environment: Woods or at least one tree per person Ages: 4+
Resources: Method:
Clay ball approximately 5 cm in diameter Choose a tree and mould clay on to bark.
Natural resources: leaves, sticks, seeds Make a face out of the clay.
Add leaves and seeds and sticks to make
hair and eyes, ears, wings.
Go around everyone’s face and ask them
to name and tell a story about them.
Outcomes:
Fine motor skills
Textures and shapes of bark
Creativity and storytelling
Individual working
Listening and speaking

Earth
Day Beasts
Environment: Woodland or place with a variety of natural Ages: 4+
resources to collect and a comfy place to sit
Resources: Method:
Collecting bags, baskets or buckets Tell a story about how Day Beasts come
Natural resources such as sticks, leaves, out in the day and then disappear back
berries, nuts, seeds, grass into the woodlands at night.
Demonstrate an example of a Day Beast
and how it disappears again.
Go and collect resources to make a
Day Beast.
Come back to meeting place and make
the Day Beast.
Name and tell a story about the Day Beast.
Outcomes:
Shapes of natural resources
Creativity
Discovery of textures of different types
of resources

Earth
Wooden Dagger and Aeroplane

Resources: Method:
Green sticks thinner than your thumb Using the loppers in pairs cut the sticks
and as long as your hand from the tip of to the required lengths.
your finger to your wrist Remove bark if desired with
Secateurs or loppers potato peelers.
Knife Cut a groove the thickness of the sticks
Sandpaper slightly off centre and to one end, just
String or elastic bands down one side.
Potato peeler Place sticks on top of each other at right
angles matching the grooves up.
Tie together with string or with
elastic band.
Outcomes:
Fine motor skills
Paired working
Using tools and managing safety
of self and others

Earth
Journey Sticks
Environment: Anywhere quiet and comfy to sit Ages: 4+
Resources: Method:
One stick as long as the distance from Snap the stick to the correct length.
wrist to elbow, and as thick as your Peel bark with fingers.
index finger Use nail to hollow out pith.
String or wool or leather cord Use knife to chamfer edges.
Leaves, sticks, seeds, grasses Sand to smooth if required.
Thread beads.
Tie string or wool to create a
continual loop.
Outcomes:
Fine motor skills Discovery of textures of different
Individual working types of wood
Creativity

Earth
Picture Frames and Mobiles

Resources: Method:
4 sticks as long as the distance from Using the loppers in pairs cut the sticks
wrist to elbow, and as thick as your to length, or snap.
thumb Place two sticks at right angles and twist
Secateurs or scissors an elastic band around the two.
String or wool or elastic bands Repeat with the second two sticks.
Natural resources Join together to make a square frame.
Tie in natural objects to make mobiles.
Outcomes:
Fine motor skills
Textures of wood
Creativity
Paired working

Fire

Fire
Creating a Fire Area

Environment: Woodland, park or anywhere with permission Ages: 4+
to create a fire area and natural resources are available
Resources: Method:
3 or 4 green logs 1 metre long Identify location of fire area and choose a
8 to 12 wooden pegs central point. Arrange the 3 or 4 logs in a
Fire bowl (optional) triangle or square end to end in a triangle
or square.
One log stump per person
Peg out two pegs on each side near the
String
end of each log to stabilise and put a
peg in the middle of the fire area. Tie a
string 2.5 metres long. Tie on another
peg to the end. Pull out tight and mark
the distance with a log. Walk around
in a circle and place out the logs at equal
distances to create a seating circle.
Outcomes:
Fine and gross motor skills, Circles
problem solving Non standard measures
Numbers and counting Independent/paired and team working
Estimation

Fire
Collecting Materials for Fires

Environment: Woodland or park or anywhere there are loose Ages: 2+
natural resources available
Resources: Method:
Natural resources in the finding area Demonstrate size of sticks to collect,
sizes below: send group off to collect.
1. 10 sticks the length of little finger, Set out on the waterproof mat.
and as thick as a match Go through the list one at a time and
2. 10 sticks the length of fore finger lay out in size order to create a piece of
(Peter Pointer), and as thick as environmental art.
a pencil
3. 10 sticks the length of fingertip to
wrist, and as thick as middle finger
4. 10 sticks the length of wrist to
elbow, and as thick as thumb
elbow, and as thick as three fingers
elbow, and as thick as wrist
Waterproof sheet
A burnt match per person (optional)
A pencil per person (optional)
Outcomes:
Fine and gross motor skills Non standard measures
Textures and properties of wood Independent working
Numbers and counting
Estimation

Fire
Fire Safety
Environment: Woodland or park or anywhere there is Ages: 4+
permission to light a fire
Resources: Method:
Fire First Aid kit Explain that the group has to identify the
Fire blanket best place to put the safety equipment.
Bucket x 2 Give the laminated cards to the group –
Water these can have pictures of the items on,
or words, or both.
Sand
Describe the use of each item.
Welfare bag
Go through the Stop, Drop and Roll
Fire extinguisher (optional)
procedure.
Fire gloves
Discuss the procedure for immersion in
Accident Procedure card cold water for burns.
Safety Item laminated cards Discussions around the areas of
immediacy of need.
Then leave the group to discuss and
lay out the cards in the decided place in
relation to the fire area.
Group to talk to each other to decide on
final placements.
Change if necessary.
Discuss the efficiency of the choices and
decide on changes if necessary. Put out
final equipment in locations identified.
Outcomes:
Fine and gross motor skills Communication
Understanding of Fire Safety Decision making
Team work Following instruction
Problem solving Emotional and social development

Fire
Paper and Matches

Environment: Woodland or anywhere there is permission to Ages: 3+
light a fire
Resources: Method:
Fire First safety equipment (as above) Set out safety equipment and practise
Matches Stop, Drop and Roll and burnt hand
dunking procedure.
Newspaper
Talk about wind direction – wind has to
Log stump or safe lighting area on ground
be behind you so that the flame will blow
away from your hand.
Demonstrate Respect position.
Demonstrate match lighting – ‘away from
you’ process plus blowing out the match
when half way down.
Get each child to identify wind direction
and sit in the respect position with wind
at your back – practise round the circle.
Each child to light a match in correct
Respect position.
Demonstrate how to roll or crumple
newspaper.
Show how to put a piece of crumpled
paper in the fire area.
Light the match and light the paper
from below.
Each child to go through the complete
process.
Discuss outcomes.
Outcomes:

Fire
Fire Strikers
light a fire
Resources: Method:
Fire striker Stop, Drop and Roll and burnt hand
Cotton wool dunking procedure. Talk about wind
direction – wind has to be behind you
Log stump or safe lighting area on
so that the flame will blow away from
ground
your hand.
Demonstrate striker lighting – ‘away
from you’ process. Get each child to
identify wind direction and sit in the
Respect position with wind at your back
– practise round the circle. Each child to
light striker in correct Respect position.
Demonstrate how to open cotton
wool pad.
Light the match striker on to the pad.
process.
Outcomes:

Fire
Other Fire Lighting Methods

light a fire
Resources: Method:
Hay or dry grass Stop, Drop and Roll and burnt hand
Log stump or safe lighting area dunking procedure.
on ground Talk about wind direction – wind has to
Demonstrate Fire lighting – ‘away from
you’ process plus putting hay down
once alight.
Get each child to identify wind direction
and sit in the Respect position with wind
at your back – practise round the circle.
Demonstrate how to make a nest of hay.
Each child to make a hay nest in correct
Respect position.
Show how to lower hay into the fire area.
Light the match hay with the striker.
process.
Discuss outcomes.
Outcomes:

Fire
Boiling Water
light a fire
Resources: Method:
Matches, newspaper or striker and Stop, Drop and Roll and burnt hand
cotton wool dunking procedure.
Wood to create a fire Demonstrate Respect position.
Safe lighting area on ground Fill kettle with water.
Kettle Place on tripod.
Water Ensure the entire group is sitting in the
fire circle.
Feed the fire to ensure water boils.
Allow children to discuss sounds of water
boiling and what movement happens in
the kettle.
Discuss outcomes.
Outcomes:

Fire
Making Tea or Hot Chocolate

light a fire
Resources: Method:
Matches, newspaper or striker and Stop, Drop and Roll and burnt hand
cotton wool dunking procedure.
Wood to create a fire Demonstrate Respect position while the
Safe lighting area on ground water is boiling.
Kettle
Water
Tea/hot chocolate
Sugar
Milk
Cups
Outcomes:
Problem solving

Fire
Leek and Potato Soup

Environment: Any with permission to light fire Ages: 3+
Resources: Method:
Fire Stop, Drop and Roll and burnt hand
Trivet or tripod with hanging chain dunking procedure.
and hook Talk about wind direction – wind has to
Pan or cauldron with lid be behind you so that the flame will blow
Recipe for potato and leek, for 6 people:
6 potatoes, 3 leeks, 2 cloves of garlic, Demonstrate Respect position.
2 vegetable stock cubes, 2 pints of hot Hot boiling fire – tipi fire.
water, 1 pint of milk, pepper. (Or use a Cut up vegetables on the chopping board.
range of mixed vegetables of choice, Heat oil in the pan, add leeks and garlic
e.g. carrots, potatoes, onion, parsnips, and sweat with lid on for 10 to 15 minutes.
swede.) Spices/herbs Add the potatoes (or rest of the vegetable)
2 tablespoons oil and sweat for another 5 minutes.
Chopping board Mix stock and water add to pan and
Knife/spoons simmer for 20 minutes until veg soft.
Mugs or bowls Add pepper to taste and milk, heat
Ladle through, but do not boil. Remove from
the heat on to a flat surface.
Crush with back of a fork if desired.
Ladle out into mugs or bowls.
Discuss outcomes.
Outcomes:

Fire
Dampers
Resources: Method:
4 long pointy sticks dunking procedure.
Dough: half a bag of flour, one packet of Talk about wind direction – wind has to
easy yeast, warm water, pinch of salt be behind you so that the flame will blow
Bowl
Make dough by mixing all ingredients at
least half an hour before needed. Or use Mix ingredients together thoroughly and
plain flour and bicarbonate of soda for a leave for the desired time.
faster mix. Roll into long sausages as thick as your
little finger.
Roll around a stick to make a spiral.
Place over EMBERS and cook on
all sides.
Count to ten, blowing, before eating.
Outcomes:
Fine and gross motor skills Following instruction
Problem solving
Self awareness and regulation

Fire
Tortillas
Resources: Method:
Trivet or grill dunking procedure.
Frying pan or baking sheet Talk about wind direction – wind has to
Spatula
Plates
Tortilla, one per person
Set out all the ingredients close to hand.
Oil, grated cheese, tomato cooking
Heat oil in the pan, place on tortilla.
sauce/tomato ketchup/tomato puree
Cook the tortilla on one side and check
Additional toppings such as mushrooms,
using the spatula until golden brown.
peppers, onions, pepperoni
Take pan off the fire. Turn tortilla over
and spread tomato sauce on one half, add
cheese and any other toppings to choice,
fold in half.
Place back on to the fire, keep checking
until golden brown.
Turn over to cook the other half.
Remove when golden brown and place
on a plate.
Enjoy and discuss outcomes.
Outcomes:
Understanding of Fire Safety Following instruction
Independent working
Empathy

Fire
Robin Hood Natural Dyed Hats/Fire Purse

Resources: Method:
Pestle and mortar or rolling pins dunking procedure.
Large bowl or plastic bucket Talk about wind direction – wind has to
Dye materials, such as: nettles – green;
onion skins – brown; bramble leaves –
green; birch bark – pink; rhubarb roots – Demonstrate Respect position.
yellow; comfrey leaves – green; elder Bash dye materials either by crushing in
berries and blackberries – purple/blue the pestle and mortar or under the rolling
Boiling pot with lid (preferable) pin/stone.
Calico or cotton cut into shapes Use half the weight of dyeing materials
to weight of calico or cotton.
Needle and cotton
If you have time mix boiling water with
Scissors
dyeing materials and leave overnight.
Water
Put in cloth and stir to ensure all the
fibres are very wet.
Place saucepan over fire and bring to
the boil for about 30 minutes.
Allow to cool slowly.
Take out and dry.
Outcomes:
Understanding of Fire Safety
Changing materials
Colour pigments

Fire
Buns
Resources: Method:
2 bun tins, spoon, plate dunking procedure.
Packet cake mix plus milk and/or eggs as Talk about wind direction – wind has to
required or home-made cake mix be behind you so that the flame will blow
Butter and flour each bun tin and spoon
the mixture into all the bowls of one bun
tin. Place other bun tin on top.
Put into embers.
Turn over after about 5 minutes, turn
twice again, to avoid burning.
Check buns have risen, insert a knife
into one bun to check fully cooked (knife
will come out clean if done). Put out on
to plate.
Enjoy – discuss outcomes.
Outcomes:

Fire
Charcoal Pencil
Environment: Fire and comfy place to sit Ages: 6+
Resources: Method:
Green elder, 3–6 cm per person. Light a fire.
Secateurs or loppers Cut willow into 3 cm lengths.
Knife Put into tin which has 2–5 small holes in
Sandpaper the lid.
Nail or sharp stick or bradawl Put into fire to cook, when smoke turns
Tin and willow stems (or other wood) from grey to silver remove tin and allow
to cool completely.
Cut elder and strip with nail,
chamfer ends.
Remove pith with bradawl or nail.
Insert willow into centre to make
the pencil.
Outcomes:
Fine motor skills
Changing materials

Fire
Clearing Up
Environment: Any Ages: 3+
Resources: Method:
Fire First safety equipment (as above) Discuss safety around the fire area
Fire whilst tidying.
Bin bags Identify the tasks to be completed.
Carrying bags Identify place to put equipment
and rubbish.
Allocate all the jobs to be done and
discuss the reasons behind leaving
no trace.
Carry out the tidying up and place all
equipment and other resources in a
pre-specified place.
Outcomes:
Understanding of impacts on environment Decision making

Fire
Fire Ceremony
Environment: Fire area Ages: 2+
Resources: Method:
Fire First safety equipment (as above) Safety equipment in place.
Fire Everyone stands in a circle around the fire.
Cup or ceremonial goblet You start by explaining that everyone has
Bucket of water been responsible for lighting the fire,
keeping the fire alight and that the fire
has given us warmth, food, community
and now we are all responsible for the
extinguishing of that fire.
As the goblet is passed around the circle
each person can describe a learning, say
a thank you, or describe how they feel.
Water is poured on the fire starting on
the outside and spiraling in towards
the middle.
Pour the water and then fill up the
goblet again with water and pass on to
the next person.
People can pass and say nothing at all if
they choose to.
Once everyone has been, get everyone
to position themselves in the respect
position around the fire and to hold their
hands out about 15 cm above the area
and pass their hands over it.
Outcomes: If there are any places that are hot or
Fine and gross motor skills warm, pour over more water to
extinguish fully.
Explain the reasons for leaving no trace
Problem solving and gather up the ashes and scatter
Communication around the area.
Following instruction Dismantle the fire logs and stakes and
Emotional and social development logs and put in to the tidying area.


Air

Air
Mobiles
Environment: Open space, woodland Ages: 3+
Resources: Method:
String or elastic bands Choose two sticks as long as the distance
Sticks from the tip of your finger to your wrist.
Natural resources Make a cross and join in the middle with
sting or elastic band.
Cut four pieces of string as long as the
distance from your wrist to your elbow.
Hang down a piece of string, tied at each
end of the sticks.
Go and search the woods – choose four
or more items from the woods, and tie
them to the string.
Hang an extra piece of string from the
cross and attach to a branch of a tree.
Outcomes:
Knowledge of different natural items

Air
Leaf Kebabs
Environment: Woods or outdoor space Ages: 2+
Resources: Method:
Stick Tie a piece of string of any length on to
String the end of a small pointy stick.
Leaves Tie the other end to a small stick the
length of a little finger and as thick
as a match.
Thread leaves on to the sharp stick and
push down to the small stick.
Stack them up as many as you like.
You can choose colours, or sizes, or
textures, e.g. living, dry, green, brown,
red, yellow.
Outcomes:
Knowledge and understanding
of the world

Air
Fish Kites
Environment: Any open space Ages: 4+
Resources: Method:
Garden wire Cut a piece of wire as long as the distance
Pliers from fingertip to elbow and twist the
Tissue paper ends to make a circle. Cut out the shape
of a fish from two pieces of tissue
String
paper, ensuring that the mouth section is
approximately 5 cm in length.
Cut out shapes to attach to both sides
of the fish and cut 5 long strips for tails.
Glue on shapes to sides and tails at the
opposite end to the long mouth.
Glue SIDES of fish together.
Place long mouth inside the wire loop
and fold back the mouth so that it has
covered the wire, and glue in place.
Allow to dry.
Tie on two lengths of string to either side
of the mouth and join together. Then,
attach a long piece of string to the first
piece and run with your kite allowing the
wind to enter through the mouth.
Outcomes:
Fine and gross motor skills Emotional and social
Problem solving development
Communication
Following instruction

Air
Rope Swings
Environment: Woods or tree area Ages: 4+
Resources: Method:
Thick sisal rope or climbing/caving rope Measure the length of rope needed.
Plank of wood or a tyre Ensure the tree branch is safe,
Overhanging tree branch i.e. living and well and robust for the age
Further info can be found at: of the children.
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fce-rope-swings- Only put up in an area where there is no
dens-fires.pdf/$FILE/fce-rope-swings-dens-fires.pdf risk of crashing into anyone or anything,
including the trunk of the tree or support.
Check safety of rope by giving a sharp
tug pulling firmly before any use.
Fall height: the rope will be maximum
1 metre off the ground. Half a meter will
be suitable for small children.
Fall zone: the area around the rope will
be flat and free from any objects that
could harm the child.
Throw over rope and tie securely.
Safely tie on the tyre using a bowline or a
figure of eight on the bight.
If using a board, drill two holes through
and attach rope.
Test run and again give the swing a sharp
pull to test.
SWING!!!
Outcomes:
Communication

Air
Rope Pulley Transporters

Environment: Two trees or uprights to tie pulleys to Ages: 4+
Resources: Method:
String Choose two trees.
Two pulleys Measure string from one tree to the other.
Two baskets or bags Double the string and then cut.
Natural or any resources to put in the Thread through both pulleys.
baskets to transport Tie the pulleys to the trees stretching out
the string.
Tie on to the string at opposite sides the
basket or bag.
Fill the bag with natural treasures.
Move the string trough the pulley and
transport your treasure from one tree
to the other.
Outcomes:
Communication

Air
Catapults
Resources: Method:
Forked stick thicker than your thumb and Choose a stick with a strong fork.
as long as the distance from your wrist to Cut inner tube or use a thick elastic band
your finger tips and tie tube to fork ends securely.
Bike inner tubes are ideal but thick elastic Locate a safe starting line and mark out
bands work well with chosen objects.
Items to make a starter line Place out targets.
A target, e.g. a log with a tin can Set out safety rules, i.e. everyone to
stand behind the line, fire one at a time,
aiming at target.
Have target practice and then
catapults down.
Retrieve pebbles or stones.
Recommence ONLY when everyone is
back behind the line.
Outcomes:
Communication

Air
Wind and Fire Sculptures

Environment: Any with natural resources Ages: 3+
Resources: Method:
Natural resources Set the parameters of the activity and for
younger children have an example of a
2D and a 3D sculpture.
Children get 10 minutes to collect and
create a sculpture relating to wind and
fire. It could be anything relating to it.
It can be in 2D or 3D and made out of
natural resources only.
Children can work in pairs in groups
or on their own.
Set the activity off and watch
the progress.
Give a 2-minute time warning
(you can do this as a time-bound activity
or not, depending on the group and
circumstances).
Call time and then go around each one
and ask the children to describe what they
have produced, what inspired them and
how it helps them to remember what they
have done regarding fires during the day.
Outcomes:
Fine and gross motor skills Knowledge and understanding of the
Speaking and listening world – using a range of natural resources
Decision making Following instruction
Creativity Emotional development

Air
Poems
Resources: Method:
Coloured word tags. These can for Put out the tags with words on them;
example have different types of words on they can be themed.
each colour, e.g., nouns, adjectives, verbs, Children go out and collect 5 tags each.
or could have the words all beginning In groups use the words to come up
with the same letter with a short poem using the words they
Paper and coloured pens have found.
Read out the poem to the rest of
the group.
Outcomes:
Language and literacy
Creativity
Speaking and listening
Empathy

Air
Willow Fish
Resources: Method:
Willow or bendy whips such as birch Select a piece of willow or your
String, wool or elastic bands bendy whip.
Curve around gently so that it makes
a fish shape with the tail where the
willow crosses over on itself.
Tie connection together with string
or wool.
Weave in natural objects into the
fish’s body.
Select another length of stick
approximately 48 cm long.
Tie on a piece or string, 30 cm in length.
Tie the other end to the fish.
You have caught a fish!
Outcomes:
Language
Creativity
Fine motor skills

Air
Hammocks
Environment: Any with two solid trees or a hammock support Ages: 6+
Resources: Method:
Hammock Identify safe tree location.
Ensure entry and egress to hammock
is safe and area free from sharp objects
that could split the hammock and hurt
a child.
Tie up the hammock.
Demonstrate safe entry to the hammock
and how to lie down in it and cover
yourself up like a cocoon.
Gently rock the hammock from
side to side.
Practice different vocabulary to
express feelings, speeds of rocking,
stopping starting.
Listen to the natural sounds of the
outdoor space.
Outcomes:
Body awareness Language
Stillness Speaking and listening
Listening
Empathy


Water

Water
Pipe Transporters
Resources: Method:
Half moon tubes Put out and show all the equipment.
Full tubes Demonstrate how water will travel at
Connectors different speeds down a tube if it is at
Natural resources to support tubes different angles.
and make adjusted heights Show how water can go round corners if
2 buckets connectors are used.
Set the task of moving a full bucket of
water to another across a course of tubes
using only the resources available.
Test out the construction.
Outcomes:
Understanding the movement Language
of water Speaking and listening
Listening
Empathy

Water
Waterproof Dens
Environment: Woodland or area with an array of sticks and Ages: 3+
natural resources
Resources: Method:
Sticks and leaves and natural resources Task is to make a little den for a creature
Bucket of water and cup or watering can that lives in the woods.
Woodland creatures (optional) Give out the woodland creatures, if you
are using them. The weather forecast is
that it is going to rain tonight so you
would like the dens to be waterproof.
Collect up natural resources. You can set
a time limit or have free time. Check on
progress, from afar, leave them quietly
unless they require you to help or answer
a question. When all ready remind them
that you will be doing a rain check.
Go around the houses and ask each child
to pour some rain on from the watering
can to see how water proof their den is.
Think about how to improve it and
then the children can go on to make
adaptations or improve the dens.
Outcomes:
Using natural resources Empathy for their woodland creature
Understanding textures and properties Building and creating
of different materials Reflecting – self awareness and
Speaking and listening self motivation

Water
Mud Pies
Environment: Any with mud and natural resources Ages:
18 months +
Resources: Method:
Buckets Each child has a bucket or mixing bowl.
Sticks Collect a few different sticks of
Mud and natural resources different lengths.
Collect resources and mud and mix.
Talk about textures, consistency, ease of
stirring, smells.
Compare mud pies.
Turn out to make mud castles and
decorate with natural objects such as
sticks and stones.
Outcomes:
Motor skills Problem solving
Rotation
Discovering textures and smells
Speaking, listening

Water
Magic Potions
Environment: Any with natural resources to collect Ages: 3+
Resources: Method:
Goblets or cups Set the scene by telling a story.
Special bottle with water (hot water Give out goblets or plastic cups, one per
works best) with glitter in person or to share depending on desired
Sticks outcomes.
Natural resources Send individuals off to collect a magic
stick as long as the distance from fingertip
to wrist and as thick as a thumb.
Collect items (10, 20, 30 etc) as small as
a fingernail.
Put them in the goblets.
Come back and you pour in a small
amount of magic potion from a super
amazing bottle.
Stir contents and mash it all up to release
the smells.
Decide on a name for the potion.
Stand in a circle and pass the potions
around having a smell of each one.
Comment on the smells.
Determine when yours comes back to
you – how do you know?
Toast the woodland – ‘Cheers!’ – and
pour the potion back to the soil.
Outcomes:
Collecting natural resources Speaking and listening
Sense of smell
Motor skills
Language

Water
Felt
Resources: Method:
Felting wool Choose section of wool.
Carding brush if not bought felting wool If not carded use two brushes and place
Olive oil soap (this can be a watered a piece of wool on the bristles, draw the
solution in a squeezy bottle) brushes away from each other.
A tin to put the felt in or a bamboo Once wool can lay all in one direction,
place mat lay thin pieces in the desired shape, all
Net curtain laying in the same direction.
Plastic bag Use more wool to lay across the first
layer at 90 degrees.
Water
Repeat two or three more times.
Use different coloured wool to make
patterns on the base layer.
If you are using a net curtain, place
on top.
Pour on soap solution or pour on warm
water and scrub with a little of the soap.
Rub the net with a plastic bag hard for
about 5 minutes.
When you pull the net off the felt, the
wool should be connected together.
Roll the bamboo mat with the felt inside
and roll backwards and forwards for a
few minutes changing the direction of
the felt at intervals – This will shrink the
Outcomes: wool to make strong felt.
Motor skills
Squeeze out all the soapy water.
Listening
Rinse in water.
Problem solving
Hang to dry.
Textures of resources
Decision making

Water
Boats
Environment: Stream or pond or any area where guttering Ages: 3+
can be placed
Resources: Method:
Wood, sticks, leaves, stones Collect natural resources together.
String, wool, elastic bands Use string, wool and elastic bands to
Fabric for sails attach together to make a boat.
Guttering You could have some pebbles that the
boat has to carry as cargo.
Make the frame and add a sail if desired.
Practice sailing the boats, then have a
final boat race.
Outcomes:
Motor skills Self awareness and self motivation
Listening to instructions Problem solving
Empathy Turn taking
Social skills

Water
Rope Bridge
Environment: Any with two solid trees Ages: 6+
Resources: Method:
Rope and string Identify two trees a minimum of 30 cm
wide, preferably about 48 cm a distance
of about ten to twenty paces apart.
Tie a ROPE at 24–48 cm off the ground
around both trees using a secure knot.
Ensure all the areas below the ropes are
free from debris.
Tie two handrails at what would be the
average shoulder height of your children
above the bottom rope. There will be two
hand rails, one on either side of the tree.
Connect rope from the top to the bottom
ropes on both sides at equal intervals
along the length of the rope.
Take turns and access the Burma bridge
at one end and balance walking along
the rope holding the handrails carefully
all the way along to the other end.
Descend with care.
You can time the children; they can review
how they got on and discuss how they
could improve their times. They could
go across carrying a bucket, for example
empty one bucket at the beginning and
fill up another one at the other end.
Outcomes:
Body awareness Speaking and listening
Listening Self regulation
Empathy
Language

Water
Plaster of Paris Shapes

Resources: Method:
Sand (optional) Pour some sand on the ground.
Plaster of Paris Wet the sand.
Water Use a stone, shell, nut, pebble or a stick
Container to mix plaster of Paris to create an indentation or a raised
pattern in the sand.
Sticks, shells, pebbles, leaves, nuts
Use a piece of newspaper folded over
and looped into a circle, or a cardboard
tube to place around the shape making
a barrier.
Make up the plaster of paris as per
instructions (wear plastic gloves if
required to avoid getting the plaster
on hands).
Pour some plaster into the mould and
leave to set.
Remove the tube of paper or cardboard
and reveal your shape.
Outcomes:
Motor skills Emotional skills
Creativity
Empathy

Water
Pewter Jewellery
Resources: Method:
Lead free pewter or white metal Fire Safety rules apply and you can use a
A melting pot or ladle wood fire or a gas burner.
Fire or gas stove to heat the metal Make an area of sand for each individual.
Natural resources Use natural resources or a stick to
Sand make indentation in the desired pattern
in the sand.
String for necklace
Place a small stone near the top (this will
Fire Safety equipment.
create the hole through which to thread
your necklace).
Light the stove.
Place in a small piece of pewter.
Heat over gas burner holding ladle with
heat resistant gloves.
When the pewter has melted turn off the
gas burner.
Pour liquid metal into each mould
ensuring a steady, gentle pour and that
the stone is surrounded and not covered.
Leave to set.
Remove when COLD.
Thread string through to make
your necklace.
Outcomes:
Body awareness Empathy
Textures Social skills
Self regulation Speaking and listening
Listening

Water
Barefoot Texture Trail

Environment: Any with a relatively open area or in the woods Ages: 4+
Resources: Method:
Straw, hay, smooth sticks, pebbles, Collect together a variety of large trays
pea gravel, leaves, water, sand, soil and (if desired).
any other resource that can be walked Decide with the group how long the
on barefoot safely Texture Trail will be and in which
Large trays or shallow containers direction it will follow.
or a tarp Use a collection of a variety of
different resources.
Put all of one resource together to make
a distinct section.
Create a number of sections and place
one after the other.
Bare soil or leaves can be left between
all or some of the sections.
When ready, all line up at one end
and create pairs.
One of the pair will take off their shoes
and socks.
They can close their eyes or put
on a blindfold.
Then one partner will guide them
through the Barefoot Texture Trail giving
instructions all the time.
They can hold hands or be guided just
by the voice.
Outcomes:
Describe the textures and feelings
Gross motor skills underfoot, can they guess what the
Use of a variety of senses textures are?
Empathy Swap around.
Language You can leave this out and add new
Speaking and listening texture each time, or vary the order.

Water
Volcanoes
Resources: Method:
Fizzy pop and bottles Bottle of diet fizzy pop and one to five
Mentos mints fruit flavoured or mint Mentos.
Put Mentos in the bottle.
Stand back.
Outcomes:
Motor skills
Problem solving
Knowledge and understanding
of the world


Contact Us: Course Information:

Email: For information on our wide range of
[email protected] Outdoor Learning courses:
Forest Schools Training Levels 1 to 4
www.archimedes-training.co.uk Beach Schools Level 3
www.forestschools.com Certificate in Outdoor Learning
Outdoors and Up for it!
Inset Training and Taster Days
Schemas in the Out of Doors
Accelerated Learning in the Out of Doors
ASD in the Outdoors
Managing Challenging Behaviour in the
Out of Doors
plus a range of specialist courses to meet
the needs of your staff in your setting.
Visit our shop at shop.forestschools.com

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Outdoors and Up For It Book v2 27/02/2012 13:54 Page 1

Outdoors and Up For It Book v2 27/02/2012 13:54 Page 2

2 ©Archimedes Training Ltd 2012

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Clay Tree Spirits

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Wooden Dagger and Aeroplane

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Picture Frames and Mobiles

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Creating a Fire Area

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Collecting Materials for Fires

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Paper and Matches

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Other Fire Lighting Methods

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Making Tea or Hot Chocolate

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Leek and Potato Soup

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Robin Hood Natural Dyed Hats/Fire Purse

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Rope Pulley Transporters

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Wind and Fire Sculptures

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46 ©Archimedes Training Ltd 2012