An ABC of Learning Naturally: Journey, Kindness and Listening

J is for Journey
Even when you can’t go anywhere, you can go anywhere with a map. An imaginary story map starts an adventure, a world map inspires a journey across borders, a local map can take you on a new walk. Plan your route, measure miles, learn about places, create symbols. Draw the map of a book you love or create a whole new world on a blank page.

Heading outside on a walk with a journey stick, to record your route with natural items found as you go will provide memory joggers to create a map when you get back to your starting point. Read more about making these ‘muddy maps‘ and making your own orienteering kit here.

K is for Kindness
Be kind to yourself and to each other. It’s the most important thing.

L is for Listen
Really listen to each other. Sometimes the questions and ideas being raised are more than they seem. Can’t see the sticks for the trees is as example of the importance of listening and understanding.

Next time: Mastery, Nature and Opening the window

Louise has taught in classrooms of all shapes and sizes, as a primary school teacher, forest school leader and trainer, outdoor learning consultant and researcher. She writes resources and stories for outdoor and woodland learning adventures using the natural learning ethos.pening the window