Learning at St Columba's

Outdoor Adventures: Learning Through Nature These Holidays

With the holidays fast approaching, it is the perfect time to step outside and embrace the benefits of outdoor play. Spending time in nature helps children develop creativity, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the world around them. Here are some simple and engaging activities families can enjoy over the break, each linked to the IB PYP Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills. Highlighting these attributes during activities can help deepen your child’s understanding of what it means to be a lifelong learner.

Create a Mini Wildlife Haven (Caring & Principled | Research & Thinking Skills)

Encourage your child to care for nature by building a bird feeder, planting bee-friendly flowers, or creating a small bug hotel using sticks and leaves. This fosters responsibility and an understanding of ecosystems, helping children develop critical thinking and research skills as they explore the needs of different species.

Nature Art and Storytelling (Thinkers & Communicators | Communication & Creative Thinking Skills)

Collect fallen leaves, rocks, or flowers to create a nature collage or a land sculpture. Take it a step further by asking your child to tell a story inspired by their artwork, encouraging creative thinking and language development while enhancing their ability to express ideas effectively.

Outdoor Adventure Challenges (Risk-Takers & Balanced | Self-Management & Social Skills)

Plan a scavenger hunt in your local park or backyard, searching for different shapes, textures, or colours in nature. Climbing trees, balancing on logs, or skipping stones develops confidence, perseverance, and coordination, while working together fosters collaboration and teamwork.

Be a Nature Detective (Inquirers & Knowledgeable | Research & Thinking Skills)

Take a magnifying glass on a walk and closely observe insects, bark patterns, or tiny plants. Encourage your child to ask questions and research their discoveries, strengthening their inquiry skills and information literacy as they engage in hands-on learning.

Take Action for the Planet (Reflective & Open-Minded | Social & Self-Management Skills)

Go litter-picking in a local park, find creative ways to upcycle household items, or discuss eco-friendly choices like saving water or reducing plastic waste. Encouraging children to reflect on their impact and take meaningful action develops responsible decision-making skills and global citizenship.

These holidays embrace the outdoors, nurture a sense of wonder, and enjoy meaningful time together. Whether it’s a backyard picnic, a bushwalk, or simply lying on the grass watching the clouds, every moment outside is an opportunity for fun and learning.

Nicole Spence

PYP Coordinator