The Muddy Puddle Teacher® Approach is revolutionising the way we deliver education by taking learning beyond the classroom and into the natural world. Designed by educators, for educators, this award-winning approach uses the outdoors to support the curriculum in creative, sustainable, and inclusive ways. Whether you teach in Early Years, Primary, or SEND settings, this method allows you to deliver powerful learning experiences through nature-based play and active engagement.
Learn more about what the Muddy Puddle Teacher approach is.
What Is the Muddy Puddle Teacher® Approach?
At its core, the Muddy Puddle Teacher® Approach focuses on curriculum-linked outdoor learning using natural and recycled resources, rather than plastic or tech-heavy alternatives. Unlike Forest School or traditional bushcraft programmes, this method brings everyday subjects like phonics, maths, and science to life—outside.
The approach is centred around four pillars:
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Curriculum-based outdoor learning
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Sustainable practices and eco-awareness
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Mindfulness and wellbeing
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Inclusion and adaptability for all learners
You can get started by exploring our curriculum-based lesson plans and schemes of work.
Why Teach Outdoors?
Outdoor learning provides a wide range of benefits:
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Enhances engagement and concentration
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Builds confidence and teamwork
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Encourages a love for nature
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Improves physical and mental wellbeing
The Muddy Puddle Teacher® Approach brings these benefits into every subject area through easy-to-follow resources and training. Discover our latest outdoor learning resources and see how easy it is to embed outdoor learning into your day-to-day teaching.
Who Is It For?
This approach is suitable for:
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Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
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Key Stage 1 and 2
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Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
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Alternative Provision and PRUs
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Home educators
Teachers from all backgrounds can get started through our comprehensive outdoor learning training courses, which guide you through everything from theory to implementation.
The Benefits for Neurodivergent Learners
One of the most impactful elements of the Muddy Puddle Teacher® Approach is its inclusivity. Outdoor learning reduces pressure and overstimulation for neurodivergent children, offering a calm, open space where they can thrive. From sensory tasks to movement-based lessons, the method supports a wide range of learning styles.
Explore our resources tailored to inclusive settings in our SEND and Autism-friendly section.
Ready-Made Outdoor Learning Resources
We offer a wide range of downloadable and physical products, including:
Each resource is designed to make outdoor learning simple, manageable, and impactful for busy teachers.
Start Your Journey Today
You can begin your journey with us completely risk-free by signing up for our FREE 60-day trial, giving you access to hundreds of resources, planning tools, and lesson ideas. Whether you’re looking to transform one subject or your whole school’s approach, the Muddy Puddle Teacher method has everything you need to succeed outdoors.
Final Thoughts
In a time when children spend more time indoors and on screens than ever before, the Muddy Puddle Teacher® Approach offers a refreshing alternative. It empowers educators to create joyful, nature-rich learning experiences that boost academic achievement and emotional wellbeing.
Learn more about how to implement outdoor learning in your setting and join thousands of educators who are taking education outside—one muddy puddle at a time.
For the latest updates, resources, and tips, visit themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk and follow us on social media.
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Top 10 Outdoor Learning Activities from The Muddy Puddle Teacher®
Outdoor learning is one of the most effective ways to boost engagement, encourage creativity, and promote well-being in children. At The Muddy Puddle Teacher®, we believe in bringing the curriculum outside through fun, sustainable, and inclusive activities that spark imagination and deepen understanding.
In this blog, we’ve rounded up 10 of our most popular outdoor learning activities from our website, loved by thousands of educators across the UK and beyond. All of these are linked to curriculum goals and designed to work in all weathers with minimal prep.
1. Outdoor Phonics with Natural Materials
Teach early phonics by collecting sticks, leaves, and stones to form Phase 2 and 3 sounds or build CVC words. It’s a fantastic way to embed learning through sensory play.
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2. Fractions with Flowers
Use daffodils or daisies to teach fractions. Children group and split flowers into halves and quarters, making maths visual and hands-on.
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3. Create a Mud Kitchen Potion Station
Role-play and sensory learning combine in this messy, magical activity. Children mix natural materials like mud, petals, and water to create imaginative potions.
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4. Symmetry in Nature
Find leaves, feathers, or pebbles and arrange them to create symmetrical patterns. This activity supports maths and art simultaneously and encourages close observation.
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5. Sound Hunts for Phase 1 Phonics
Encourage children to listen for environmental sounds—birdsong, wind, rustling leaves—as part of Phase 1 phonics. A wonderful introduction to phonological awareness.
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6. Timeline Trails in History
Use natural materials to create timelines on the ground when studying topics like the Stone Age to the Iron Age. It brings chronology to life and supports KS2 learners.
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7. Mini Beast Maths
Go on a bug hunt and count, sort, or graph the creatures you find. This integrates science and maths while encouraging respect for nature.
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8. Outdoor Continuous Provision Plans
Ideal for EYFS and KS1, these plans are packed with open-ended outdoor activity ideas for all areas of learning, themed for seasons and topics.
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9. Story Stones & Nature Tales
Use painted stones and natural items to retell familiar stories or create new ones. This supports storytelling, sequencing, and oral language skills.
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10. Outdoor Yoga and Mindfulness
Support emotional well-being with calming yoga stretches and breathing exercises in nature. Perfect for transitions or quiet time.
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Ready to Go Further?
If you’re new to The Muddy Puddle Teacher® or want to explore more ideas, you can start with a FREE 60-day trial of our planning hub. Access hundreds of outdoor lessons, schemes, and training designed to get your school muddy in the best way.
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Final Thoughts
These 10 activities are just the beginning. Outdoor learning opens up endless opportunities to teach creatively, sustainably, and meaningfully. At The Muddy Puddle Teacher®, we make it easy to align outdoor play with the curriculum while supporting all learners—rain or shine.
???? Visit our website to explore more: www.themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk
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