Teachers can take advantage of a new Wild Challenge, launched by the RSPB, which helps wildlife, explores nature, and sees pupils work towards awards through lots of schools activities.
Schools can register for free for this award scheme, which is all about investigating wildlife and doing practical things to embrace the natural world.
Mainly designed for Primary aged school pupils in mainstream education, it can also be adapted for home educators, pupils with special educational needs and Early Years. There is no time limit to take part in the activities, and there is a range of things to do to suit the weather throughout the year.
Examples of available activities:
• Wild writing: This activity is about spending time in the natural world and using it to inspire creativity in writing, be it a poem, a song, a piece of non-fiction writing or even a fictional piece.
• Become a human weather gauge: Take your pupils outside to see and feel different weather conditions and ask them to translate that into how it makes them feel.
• Plant safari: Use this activity to explore the school grounds or local area. The task is all about identifying and naming wildflowers, trees and shrubs and looking for similarities and differences.
• Sensing the world: Use this session as an opportunity for pupils to tune into all their senses. It’s about being in the natural environment, sensing and identifying the sights, smells and sounds of the natural world.
• Minibeast safari: The group can explore and look for minibeasts, and are encouraged to take a closer look at them to identify what they are.
How can you get involved?
All teachers need to do is register for an online account on rspb.org.uk. It’s quick to then take part in online activities like this one, as well as wildlife gardening activities and the Big Garden Birdwatch.
Once you’ve signed up, you can start your Wild Challenge, and work towards your gold, silver and bronze awards and check your progress.
For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning.
