Nature and Me

by Earthwatch Europe

A three-module series for pupils with SEND

From boosting wellbeing, through enriching cross-curricular learning and building practical skills, to instilling a love for our natural environment, regular and structured time outdoors enhances educational and social development and prepares all children, regardless of their needs and abilities, to operate in a world of rapid environmental changes that are happening as their lives unfold. 

How to use the resources

The resources have been designed with SEND pupils in mind, reflecting pupils learning at Lower Key Stage 2 Level or equivalent. We acknowledge that we are not able to respond to all needs and disabilities. The three module are thus teacher-led allowing teachers to adjust instructions, pace and level according to the needs of their pupils. 

Each activity is labelled with a type (sensory, mindfulness, imaginative, and comprehension), along with a difficulty level, so that you can easily choose a lesson that will suit your group without many changes, and see which will need to be adapted. Resource list and worksheets are provided for each activity.

Modules

Module 1

Exploring my Connection to Nature

The aim of this module is to get you and your pupils confident with using the outdoors as your classroom. A number of activities is set to be carried out outdoors, so weather conditions, time of year and appropriate clothing might play a part in when and how you choose to complete the activities. We encourage you to try them regardless of the time of the year or repeat them across seasons.

Module 2

Becoming a Super Scientist

The aim of this module is to enable students to develop a deeper understanding of the processes and changes occurring in our natural environment. Module 2 is the most advanced of the whole series. It includes a knowledge-building block and a number of experiments that require a certain level of motor skills thus the teacher’s assistance will be necessary to accommodate to all needs and disabilities. 

Module 3

Becoming an Agent of Change

This module is designed to help students understand how their actions and choices impact their environment, and how to evaluate those choices to become an empowered agent of change. Module 3 is the last in the series, and builds up to more independent thinking. It requires a slightly higher level of abstract and systems thinking, while still being relevant to everyday life experiences and skills that the pupils will use.