Embracing Outdoor Learning Conference

Driving down to Gloucestershire the news was all about the drought status being declared in different parts of the country, so you just knew the moment you arrived the heavens were going to open. Waterproofs took care of that and by the time everyone had arrived the rain had moved away and the sun broke through.
Attending a conference that was outside all day sounded unusual but upon reflection was not all that different from the Forest School Leader training - it was a great idea, far better than sitting indoor taking notes. Altogether there were five workshops but only time to fit in three. A difficult choice but these are the ones I opted for.
(Links can be found in the sidebar where appropriate.)
1. Creating in Nature: Catherine Rive This workshop explored using the outdoor environment to create works of art in nature. The introduction looked at the work of Andy Goldsworthy and Richard Long. Then there was time for us to explore, create and share our work. Having time to think through your own ideas in my opinion is always appreciated. Thinking about how I might go about an activity gives plenty of time also to reflect how this can be used back at school. Andy Goldsworthy is quite well known but I hadn't heard of Richard Long and his work with circles and lines look to have lots of ideas to explore in the future.
2. Plants in Nature: Sara Bellis Improving my knowledge of flora and fauna is a target for this year so this was a great workshop. Connecting with the plants, thinking about their habitat and collecting samples rather than just looking was really helpful. So I've added a few more to my slowly expanding repertoire and collected lots of ideas to use with children. I really liked the idea for a Light Show but you'll have to wait until I've tried to see what that is all about. I will also start scrap-booking my collection.
After lunch in the beautiful sunshine it was time for the final workshop.
3: Storytelling: Chris Holland I had already heard of Chris and used some of the ideas in his book in my lessons so I was really looking forward to this workshop. It was really good to think through all the different styles of storytelling and how even the presentation of factual information could be turned in to a story. We of course all had a chance to tell stories. I think Eeyore losing his tail stole the day, can you spot him in the pics below? Each part of the workshop from the walk over to the site to the places we sat and items we collected gave ideas of how to use storytelling in the outdoors.

Gadget of the day had to be the campfire popcorn maker - sold out so I'll just have to order one later!

So what do you want from a day? Well if it is a practical experience, which gives time for reflection, ideas to use in school and an opportunity for personal development this conference ticks all the boxes.