Family Outdoor Activities Online Course
Module 4: Crafting with Nature
Crafting with Nature
Looking to craft with nature? Crafting is one of the best ways to spend quality time together as a family and this course will also keep the whole family entertained.
The ideas are based on key principles which can be adapted for different ages and different lands and can involve the materials you find around you.
You will learn how to make your own nettle cordage, beeswax sandwich wraps, mini-rafts, berry necklaces and other activities using clay, leaves, wood and wool - let you own creativity be awakened!
What's Included in the Crafting with Nature Online Course for Families?
Crafting with Nature
- 10 video lessons full of tips, ideas and activities using clay, willow and whichever natural materials are around you
Downloadable Resources:
- A Crafting with Nature and Simple Woodland Crafts Risk Benefit Assessments
Each module includes a 'Certificate of Completion' issued by The Outdoor Teacher
The Family Outdoor Activities Course
Are you a parent looking for activities to enjoy as a family in the outdoors? This professional online course has 36 step by step Forest School inspired video lessons that mix fun and games with crafting and skills. Single modules are £29.99 +vat or save £20 when you buy the 4 module bundle
Get All 4 Modules For £99 +vat
Crafting with Nature Sample Lessons
Making a Mini Raft
This is the simplest way I know to make a raft! You will needs string, scissors and some sticks…then you can be creative to adding a sail or a little clay person?! We have made little ponds digging up a small area and lining it with a plastic bin bag to play with water and the rafts. Even better, you could find a little stream to float your raft.
Rowan Berry Necklace
Autumn berries are wonderful – in September we can find the rowan berry (otherwise known as the mountain ash – Sorbus Aucuparia). You will need some blunt large needles, rowan berries and thread! These kinds of ideas and activities done in a group create a warm village feeling. You could also look into making Rowan jelly too….
Nettle Cordage
I love making cordage (natural rope). It really helps you to appreciate the plant and its biology, and that our ancestors were masters of all these skills. In the case of the nettle, we are using the outer fibre or the ‘outer bark layer’. Over time you can experiment making nettle cordage to make bracelets, cloth, nets, and hammocks.
Testimonials
Lily Sequoia
Home Educator & Parent
"Marina's skill and experience as an outdoor educator and practitioner combined with clear easy to follow videos are a fun and inspiring resource for anyone who lives or works with children"
Kate Macairt
Play Therapy Trainer
"This course is full of innovative ideas for utilising natural materials for creative fun! Marina describes each process with clarity and it is easy to follow the instructions. There is a welcome diversity of materials and outcomes which will inspire young and old."
Nikki McKnight
Forest School Practitioner
"Each video will give you the skills, confidence and courage to use your inner creativity to support those in your care to feel engaged and enriched by the world of nature all around us."
The Lessons
- About the instructor
- Welcome to Crafting with Nature
- Elder beads (4:13)
- Rowan berry necklace (4:17)
- Dragonflies (5:27)
- Alder seed bees (2:21)
- Clay eggs and nest (4:53)
- Making a clay flower (1:02)
- Making a mini raft (3:37)
- Wax leaves (5:33)
- Nettle cordage (8:25)
- Downloadable resources
- Course feedback
What Will You Learn?
- To inspire a range of natural and manmade crafts, with endless creative opportunities
- To safely make a range of craft items using natural materials, increasing your knowledge of what works and what doesn’t
- To choose materials, techniques, and tools appropriate to the task in hand, age and stage of the child
Featured Courses
About the Instructor
Marina Robb (Bsc; PGCE; MA; Msc; Author) is Founder and Managing Director of Circle of Life Rediscovery Community Interest Company and The Outdoor Teacher Ltd, both leading organisations that aim to transform education and health through nature.
Marina is co-author of ‘Learning with Nature’ (foreword by Chris Packham), a must-have book for Forest School & Outdoor practitioners, and ‘The Essential Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy’ (foreword by David Sobel) which contains everything you need to know from theory to practice
Marina has more than 30 years experience in outdoor learning and nature connection. She provides a deep understanding of effective nature education at all levels and for a range of diverse backgrounds.
Marina is a qualified teacher (PGCE) and since 1989 has studied Environmental Education (MA), Environmental Management (BSc) and Social Research (MSc). She is a leading Forest School endorsed trainer and practitioner (UK and International). Her aim is to share her knowledge and experience with teachers and others wishing to work outside the classroom.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
If you are not happy with the course you can contact us with an explanation for a full refund within 30 days.
The Family Outdoor Activities Course
Are you a parent looking for activities to enjoy as a family in the outdoors? This professional online course has 36 step by step Forest School inspired video lessons that mix fun and games with crafting and skills. Single modules are £29.99 +vat or save £20 when you buy the 4 module bundle
Get All 4 Modules For £99 +vat
The Forest School Activities Training
Our foundation training course comes with lifetime access to over 100 step by step inspirational videos and resources. Designed for teachers and practitioners. Single modules are £49.99 +vat or save £100 when you buy the 8 module bundle
Get All 8 Modules For £295 +vat
FAQs
When does the course start?
The course starts as soon as you register. You work at your own pace and you will receive a certificate when you complete.
How long do I have access to the course?
You will have lifetime access to the course! Unlimited access to the lessons and videos for as long as you like, across all your devices.
Is my instructor qualified?
Yes, Marina Robb is a parent of 3 children and a UK Forest School Association Endorsed Trainer and has been training Forest School Leaders since 2011. She has been working with groups in nature since 1995 and you can read more here.
Can I access the course on my mobile?
Yes, the course can be accessed on all devices. If you have an iPhone, you can also download the free ‘Teachable’ app from the Apple Store and complete the course using the app, downloading any videos you like onto your device.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
If for some reason you are not happy with the course, contact us in writing within your first 30 days for a full refund. You will need to include an explanation of why you want the refund.
We don't have access to a woodland - can we do these activities in a garden, playground or park?
Yes, you can. Whether you are near a woodland or park or have an outside space or garden - all the activities can be adapted for different circumstances.
These are also great activities to do on a family camping holiday and maybe your campsite will allow fires or you may need to use a fire bowl to lift the fire off the ground.
We have run activities using fire, tools, games, wild food, crafts, swings & ropes, shelters in school yards, playgrounds and parks.
You will need permission to build a fire if you are not on your own property.
We have also taken many groups on short walks throughout the seasons to gather some plants for many activities.
Posts can be put up to replace trees, so that children can still set up various rope bridges or constructions and with a little thinking you can easily set up a rope swing and tarpaulin shelters.
Can I share my course with my colleagues or friends?
No - the license is granted for 1 user to view the contents of the course. This access must not be shared with any other person and only the named user will receive the certificate and be able to answer the assessments.
Can we purchase multiple licenses for our staff team?
Yes, please contact us for bulk purchasing discounts. We can set up the user accounts for you and send you access codes and you can pay by invoice.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, all our courses come with a ‘Certificate of Completion’ from The Outdoor Teacher Ltd. You can view a sample certificate HERE
How can we contact you if we have a question?
Yes feel free to call or email us with any questions - our contact details are on the contact page.
Our commitment to Nature & People:
The Outdoor Teacher, alongside its sister organization Circle of Life Rediscovery CIC aim to transform health, education and family through nature.
We are whole-heartedly concerned about the safeguarding of future generations, human and non-human alike, and the growing understanding of reciprocity between humans and nature. Whilst we are advocates for all people accessing nature and its benefits, we know that this is only healthy if we prioritise the care for the natural world and address issues of equality.
The Outdoor Teacher is working towards becoming a certified B-Corp. Certified B Corps are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. We aim to be part of this community of leaders, driving a global movement of people using businesses as a force for good.
We are using Monzo Business Banking which is listed as an ethical bank: https://monzo.com/ethics.
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