???? What is the Muddy Puddle Teacher® Approach?
In a world where classroom learning often dominates, the Muddy Puddle Teacher® Approach brings a breath of fresh air—literally! This innovative teaching method puts nature-based, outdoor learning at the heart of education, helping children connect with the world around them while developing vital academic and life skills.
Whether you're an early years practitioner, primary teacher, or parent, the Muddy Puddle Teacher ethos can transform your teaching and your learners.
???? Explore the full approach here
???? Where Did It Begin?
Founded by a passionate educator, the Muddy Puddle Teacher method emerged from a desire to reduce screen time, increase physical activity, and use the outdoors as a natural, engaging learning environment. It’s about stripping back, using sustainable materials, and adapting traditional lessons for the outdoor space.
???? What Makes It Different?
Unlike Forest School or Bushcraft approaches, which often focus on survival or wilderness skills, the Muddy Puddle Teacher® focuses on the curriculum—phonics, maths, science, literacy and more—delivered in fun, active, muddy ways.
Children are encouraged to:
Use natural, open-ended materials ????
Learn through movement and sensory play ????
Develop resilience, independence, and teamwork ????
Embrace seasonal changes and weather learning ☀️????️❄️????
???? Check out our outdoor learning resources
???? What Does a Muddy Puddle Lesson Look Like?
Imagine teaching phonics using ropes, puddles, and pebbles. Or learning about symmetry with natural leaves and sticks. Each lesson is crafted to:
Meet curriculum objectives
Be inclusive for all learners, including neurodivergent children
Encourage creative thinking and problem solving
???? Browse our curriculum-based outdoor lessons
???????? Who Can Use the Muddy Puddle Teacher® Approach?
Anyone! This approach is used widely in:
Nurseries and EYFS settings
Primary schools (KS1 and KS2)
SEND and PRU environments
Home education
We even offer certified training for teachers looking to embed the approach in their settings.
???? Start your training journey here
???? Sustainability Matters
At its heart, this approach teaches children to be mindful of the environment. You won’t find worksheets or plastic here. Instead, children use mud, sticks, leaves, water, and recyclable materials—building a strong connection to the planet from a young age.