Creativity in the Classroom: Natural World Challenge for KS1/KS2

Welcome to our Creativity in the Classroom series! In this series, we share some of our favourite activities, games and challenges to stimulate creative learning on curriculum topics. All ideas come from our online teaching resource, Uno. To find even more engaging activities and interactive videos, visit the Uno website and sign up for your free trial! 

We may be used to learning inside a classroom. However, there’s lots of learning that takes place OUTSIDE of school – in the natural world!

The Natural World Challenge: A Sensory Adventure!

This week we encourage you to step into the great outdoors. As you walk, concentrate on your senses. For instance, what can you see? What sounds can you hear? Are there any smells? What does the ground feel like beneath your feet? Keep an extra special eye out for trees, bushes and anything natural! You might just be surprised by what you find.

This natural world challenge is all about slowing down. By taking the time to really experience the world around us, we can see things we might never have noticed before. From crunchy twigs to velvety-soft leaves, frothy grasses to sweet-smelling flowers, the natural world is full of delights.

If something catches your attention and it’s okay to take it (remember not to pick flowers!), why not make some art like a card or collage? Alternatively, give it to a friend, family member or teacher. You can explain why you thought it was special and make them smile too.

What is the Uno Challenge Series?

These weekly challenge videos, available on Uno, aim to build a culture of independent learners and strengthen school community. Show them in class or assembly on a Monday, then let your pupils feed back to you throughout the week.

Each challenge is designed to be fun and can be adjusted to suit the needs of your class. In other words, be creative! Celebrate the work that children do during these tasks with a special board in school or in weekly newsletter to parents. Above all, remember to praise all pupils who put in special effort!

With this programme of work, you’ll create a community of children who WANT to learn outside of the classroom. Will your pupils take on the Uno Challenge?

If you’d like to learn more tips for improving Creativity in the Classroom, take a look at our online teaching resource, Uno. This easy-to-use website is packed with interactive videos and teacher guides on a wide range of topics. Please get in touch to find out more and begin a free trial for your school.