Mindfulness Focused Outdoor Activities

In my last post I created a list of Outdoor & SEL focused ideas that I hope to implement in my future teaching roles. While some of them did really focus on self reflection and awareness, most of them were high energy tasks that promoted movement, communication, and collaboration. While I hope that students feel exhilarated outdoors at times, it is also important to highlight the calming effects that spending time in nature can do for us. 

Below are some outdoor activities that will encourage slowing down, focusing on the task, and hopefully help learners self regulate. 

Spatial Awareness Shape Puzzle - Retrieved from: https://littlepinelearners.com/work-on-spacial-awareness-with-this-simple-nature-shape-puzzle/ 

 

I could see each student drawing a large open shape and filling it with different natural materials. Rocks, pinecones, leaves etc. I thinking making this a silent activity would be a great way to promote a growth mindset and problem solving skills.  Great opportunity for trading shapes and discusses what strategies they used in a group afterwards. 
 

Alphabet Tracing with Chalk and Rocks: Retrieved from: https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2014/05/alphabet-learning-with-chalk-rocks.html

Great practice for younger students and older students could spell out longer words or terms that they are learning about. Could be a great buddy activity where the older buddy uses the chalk and the younger one traces it with rocks. 

Outdoor Memory Game: Retrieved from http://rainorshinemamma.com/outdoor-memory-game-kids/

Students would have opportunities to collect fallen natural materials (chance to discuss what we can use from nature and what we should leave) and work in partners to test their memory. They could have options to share what they remember orally, draw out the items, or even collect items that closely match what was shown. 

Mandalas with Natural Materials: https://www.howweelearn.com/nature-mandalas-an-outdoor-craft-for-kids/

I did this myself a few years ago before seeing it on Pinterest and my 4/5s at the time loved it! I made it into a group challenge and gave them a time restraint, but if this was intended to be a mindful and calming task I would suggest making it individual and leave it open ended. 

Gratitude Scavenger Hunt: Retrieved From: https://allnaturaladventures.com/finding-gratitude-in-nature-scavenger-hunt/

Great opportunity to highlight personal preferences and share out their found items in a community circle setting. Or students could work in partners, make their own lists then trade. Some great connections to the 5 senses. This could also be a great ice breaker activity at the first staff meeting of the year. 

Outdoor Weaving: Retrieved from: https://whereimaginationgrows.com/outdoor-rainbow-weaving-for-kids/

Great fine motor practice for students of all ages. I am not super keen on using a man made material so if there was a natural material instead it would be awesome to see how it is affected by weather in time and monitor the changes. I assume this rainbow example was just temporary, so a good way for kids to experiment, problem solve, and explore creative ideas using a specific material. 

All in all, these 10 blog posts have allowed me to find more potential outdoor and SEL connections as well as find research that emphasizes the positive effects the outdoors can have on anyone, not just students. I plan on referring back to this blog in the future and could see myself potentially sharing it with some colleagues if they are looking for more information on these topics. This was a great opportunity for me to remind myself how much I enjoy and need time in nature. I hope it might inspire you to head outdoors more and soak up all the benefits it has to offer. Thanks for reading!