Authors and poets often write outside. There is documented evidence of
William Wordsworth walking the Lakeland Fells with his sister, Dorothy,
at his side scribbling down his ideas and thoughts... Writing outside is becoming increasingly popular in many primary and
secondary schools as a method of engaging children and providing
activities and stimuli which cannot be found indoors.
Here is a list of practical tips* that, if you have taken your class outside for learning, you might wish had come your way a long time ago.
- Always use (mechanical) pencils. Unlike pens, pencils will write on paper and card that is damp. Take lots of spare pencils outside as the tips do break and they can get mislaid. You don’t want to waste time searching for pencils or waiting for children to take turns to sharpen their pencils. Don’t bother with erasers.
- On windy days, using scrap pieces of card is easier because there is less flutter. The card or paper can also be stuck onto clipboards with masking tape too. Alternative, use notebooks for the same reason.
- Or whiteboard markers can be used outside with portable old whiteboards (new ones will get scratched more quickly outside). In addition to these, mirrors and varnished wooden slabs all make great writing surfaces for non-permanent marker pens.
- If your establishment has tablets or iPads or other mobile devices that children can use, then there are many apps that can be downloaded and used for writing outside. Use digital cameras to record transient work which can be left for others to enjoy.
- To be comfortable outside, portable mats make a noticeable difference. Any surface can be sat upon in all weathers and the insulation provides extra warmth. Ones which can be folded up and carried in a backpack are particularly handy.
- On the walls, have places where children can write and draw. These can be black boards or white boards. Noticeboards are useful too where children can post their own messages and announcements. Mirrors also make good drawing and writing surfaces outside, as does Perspex. Generally the bigger the writing space, the more flexibly it can be used.
- In the photo below, the wooden stumps and border of the sandpit can be used for mark making. Children can chalk or paint directly onto these surfaces. Alternatively children can seat on these features to write. Or, by sitting on the ground, the stumps and border can be used as mini tables.
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| creativestarlearning.co.uk |
*Tips found at creativestarlearning.co.uk
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