Tree Huggers (Outdoor Learning)

Intent

Tree Huggers is our version of outdoor learning. Our aim is to encourage and inspire children through positive outdoor experiences. Children will have the opportunity to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and, most importantly, to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others. The children use full-sized tools where appropriate, play, learn boundaries of behaviour  - both physical and social - establish and grow in confidence and become self-motivated.

Implementation

Tree Hugger sessions build on a child’s innate motivation and positive attitude to learning, offering them the opportunities to take risks, make choices and initiate learning for themselves. The outdoor learning environment provides opportunities for children to develop self-esteem, self-confidence, to form positive relationships with others, to develop a growing awareness of their emotional needs and the needs of others, to learn to cooperate and work with their peers and adults and to develop strategies in order to take risks within the boundaries of safety.

Tree Huggers  is about exploring and experiencing the natural world through practical activities. The children go out in all weathers, all year round - with the exception of thunder storms or high winds - exploring and learning from the seasons and environment changes. Appropriate clothing is worn. The children’s interests along with the varied natural resources in our designated area are used to stimulate creative thinking, problem solving and skill development.

One of the principles of Tree Hugegrs is to promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainability. The children are taught about respect and responsibility for the world around them. Both the children and adults are encouraged to respect their environment and to be aware of conservation issues of the wild area around them. The aim is to promote respect for wildlife, which will be achieved through session plans and evaluation. Encouraging children to care for the environment is an essential part of our Tree Hugger session. In order to encourage the children to look after the site we will always leave it tidy and never damage anything growing in it. We will only collect things that are on the ground and leave the area as we found it when we leave.

Impact 

The success of Tree Huggers allows children to:

• Grow in confidence as a result of the freedom, time and space they are given in their learning. This allows them to demonstrate independence at each individual child's rate. 
• Activities such as sharing tools and participating in play help teach the children to work together as a group, which strengthens their bonds and social skills.
• The sensory experiences provided by Tree Huggers helps promote language development. Improving communication skills has a positive effect on a child's self-esteem and is a crucial part of their development.
• High levels of interest lead to high levels of attention. Spending time outside is exciting for a child, It tends to fascinate them which develops a strong will to participate and concentrate over long periods of time.
• The increase in outdoor activity has a positive physical impact. Not only does the development of physical stamina improve but also gross and fine motor skills.
• Children develop an interest in the great outdoors and respect for the environment. Encouraging children to develop a relationship with the natural world will help in protecting the environment for generations to come.
• Tree Huggers isn't just beneficial to children, it is also beneficial to teachers. Observing their class in a different setting allows them to gain a new perspective and understanding of their class.
• When children really engage with Tree Huggers, they will take their experiences home to share with family and friends. This will often encourage families to visit their local woodlands more frequently. 
• Taking children outside may relieve some of the pressure of academia and allow the children to play to their strengths. This is beneficial to children who struggle in the classroom because there is more of an opportunity for them.