Dirty Teaching - Learning Outdoors

Let's be honest, getting outdoors is messy, but it’s where the best learning happens. 'Dirty Teaching' is not some dusty academic tome; it is a genuinely funny, practical guide bursting with ideas for taking every subject from Maths to Literacy outside. If you have ever wondered how to teach fractions with sticks or perform Shakespeare in the playground, this book is your new best friend. It gives you the confidence to ditch the desktop and embrace spontaneous, child led learning in nature. Crucially, it provides a philosophical and practical grounding in the educational benefits of outdoor exposure, ensuring your practice is robustly linked to curriculum goals. Warning: may cause an irreversible addiction to teaching outside (and possibly require you to buy more waterproof trousers).

Features

• Practical Guidebook Format: Designed to be easily carried outdoors for quick reference and instant inspiration during forest school sessions.
• Durable Paperback Cover: Built to withstand the inevitable coffee spill or splash of muddy water it may encounter in the outdoor setting.
• Chaptered by Subject Area: Clearly organised sections make finding specific curriculum linked outdoor activities fast and simple for busy teachers.
• Written in an Accessible Style: The witty and engaging tone makes the educational theory enjoyable to read and easy to implement immediately.
• Contains Illustrations and Diagrams: Helpful visuals break down complex ideas and provide clear guidance on setting up outdoor activities.

   

  Benefits

  • Inspires Cross Curricular Outdoor Learning: Provides concrete examples for teaching all core subjects using natural environments and resources.
  • Develops Teacher Confidence: Equips practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to lead impactful, meaningful sessions outside the classroom.
  • Fosters Deeper Curriculum Links: Encourages the application of classroom knowledge in practical, real world contexts, promoting Understanding the World.
  • Promotes Child Led play: Advocates for giving children greater autonomy in their learning, supporting PSED and creativity.
  • Enhances Reflective Practice: Offers ideas for evaluating and adapting outdoor teaching methods to better meet children’s diverse learning needs.