Numeracy in the great outdoors.

Numeracy is sometimes a difficult subject for children and sometimes a negative one as discussed in my other blog ‘what can be done to improve attitudes towards maths in primary education’. During this blog, I will be discussing how the outside can benefite children’s maths and what activities can take place.

“Children develop mathematical sense by trying things out and playing with ideas. The outdoor environment is the ideal arena for planning maths activities that would otherwise be impractical, unattractive or impossible indoors.” 

(Sargent, 2015)

Outdoor learning increases the engagement, enjoyment and achievement of a child’s learning. This is a crucial element in learning maths. I believe If a child can touch, see and feel they will remember and enjoy maths.  You can also tie in nature with outside and children will come across problem solving which is also a key element of maths.

In contrast to using the outdoors as learning strategies, the pressures of Ofsted, results, targets and constant movement of goalposts can mean that learning in a natural, or non-classroom setting, feels like a hassle to some teachers (Issac,2016). Research has proven that outdoor learning boosts children’s wellbeing and getting out of the classroom should be at priority. 

Learning maths outdoors can benefit-

·      Higher levels of motivation within the subject.

·      Limitless, cost free recourses.

·      Opportunity to cross curricula. 

·      Children can explore effectively.

·      problem solving and thinking skills.

·      Sense of purpose to maths and relevance

·      The importance of theory and reality

·      Benefits children’s independent or group work.

From personal experience within a school, I took a group of early years children out to the muddy kitchen, this allowed children to measure and problem solve while interacting with peers, this instantly made maths more enjoyable. It was a playful way to engage with maths. Children where engaged and more willing to take part in maths activities than they were in the classroom. 

There are many maths activities that children can take part in such as ;

·      Playground problem questions.

·      Chalk, to create diagrams, charts and sums.

·      Surveys, by doing tally charts with twigs, leaves etc.

·      Summer fete activities, this is a fun way with learning to deal with money.

·      Position and direction 

·      Make shapes with twigs and all natural findings. 

(Leighton,2019)

The use of technology to create symmetry instead of the use of mirrors can be a way to introduce digital competence in with maths, so this is also a cross curricula designed activity.

Reference’s –

Isaac, A. (2016). Tips and tricks for teachers: how outdoor learning boosts student wellbeing. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2016/jul/17/tips-tricks-teachers-how-outdoor-learning-boosts-student-wellbeing

Leighton, D. and Leighton, D. (2019). 13 Outdoor Maths Activities for Early Years to Y6 - Third Space Learning. [online] Third Space Learning. Available at: https://thirdspacelearning.com/blog/13-outdoor-maths-activities-early-years-year-6-plus-bonus-ages/.

Sargent, M. (2015). Developing Early Maths Skills Outdoors. Salisbury: Practical Pre-school Books.