Make a counting rope
A great activity to practice fine motor skills and tool use ending up with an outdoor maths abacus.
Read More about Make a counting ropeINSPIRATIONS - outdoor maths
A collection of outdoor maths activities using natural materials, supporting counting, shape exploration and simple resource-making for early years and primary learners.
Introduction
Discover how maths comes to life outdoors with this practical collection of nature-based activity ideas. Using easily found materials such as sticks, stones and leaves, children can explore counting, patterns, shapes and problem-solving in a meaningful, hands-on way.
These activities help embed mathematical thinking through play and exploration. Making simple resources, building shapes and organising natural objects support both early numeracy and confidence.
Maths is everywhere outdoors and to quote Juliet Robertson "Every moment is a maths moment!"
*Muddy Faces actively promotes child-led outdoor play & learning. We recognise and believe in the curiosity that children have and their drive to explore and discover. We hope that you will bear this in mind when considering more prescribed activities like some of those here - often much more creative ideas will occur if resources are simply provided and children are given the time and space to explore independently.
What you'll need
This activity has been provided by
Useful items from our shop
Item available from our shop
Environmental Considerations
Consider the environmental impact of preparing, carrying out & completing this activity. Could this impact be reduced? Specific considerations for this activity could include:
- natural resources - only gather fallen sticks, don't pull them off a growing tree or bush
- leave no trace - take your resources home with you
Health & Safety Considerations
Follow your usual operating procedures and carry out appropriate risk benefit assessments.
Some considerations particular to this activity include:
- safe use of tools or fire
Number & Counting
5 little speckled frogs
Perfect outdoor early years maths resource that's fun to make and play.
Read More about 5 little speckled frogs
Pebble creature maths
Use pebble creatures to make outdoor maths activities more fun!
Read More about Pebble creature maths
Make a ten frame collecting bag
So many things to count outdoors!
Elder Bead String
A simple and very satisfying way of making your own elder beads using simple tools.
Read More about Elder Bead StringUse sticks to...
... compare lengths
... order or find a pattern
... create simple stick shapes
Make a 1 Sq m maths set
A simple activity exploring length in a hands-on way using natural resources.
Read More about Make a 1 Sq m maths setUse string to...
... measure the girth of a tree
Estimate the age of tree - a tree will increase its girth by approx 2.5cm in a year
... explore spirals
... draw a big circle
Make a compass with stick and string.
Some shape ideas
Create shapes using a geo pattern board
create giant 3D shapes
Some estimation ideas
How many sticks are in the pile?
An alternative to how many sweets in the jar!
How long until the first kernel pops?!
Pebble problem solving & estimation
How many pebble creatures will sink the boat?!
Read More about Pebble problem solving & estimationMore maths activities
Make a clock
A simple idea to create a bright, sensory and tactile clock.
Read More about Make a clock
Have a look at the maths section of our shop - full of natural resources & our UK Grown wood products.
Disclaimer: Muddy Faces cannot take any responsibility for accidents or damage that occurs as a result of following this activity.You are responsible for making sure the activity is conducted safely.
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Key Features
- Age Range All Ages
- Duration Less than an hour
- Location Anywhere
- Season Any
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Categories:
Inspirations
Curriculum Outdoors
numeracy