What is Jigsaw Outdoors?

The Jigsaw Outdoors programme enhances the current Jigsaw PSHE Primary programme with additional, combined PSHE and outdoor learning opportunities. This means that there is one additional lesson per Puzzle (equivalent to a Piece 7) for each year group. As with the Jigsaw PSHE programme, the themes extend over all year groups by Puzzle, with a focus on seasons and what is happening in nature. The focus is on PSHE skills that can be learnt in the outdoors and/or with an outdoor focus.

There are many reasons why the Jigsaw Outdoors programme has been developed, not least because being outdoors and connecting with nature promotes and protects mental health and well-being. This has always been high on the Jigsaw agenda, and it is our reason for continuing to provide ways to develop PSHE even further. We pride ourselves on supporting teachers with high-quality resources, and we always like to offer something a bit different for children and adults alike.

The programme can be used by all schools and settings, either as a stand-alone programme, or to complement Jigsaw PSHE. Be assured that there is no pre-requisite to have vast grounds or to be situated in the countryside. All lessons offer ideas for everyone, regardless of your local environment and feature items such as Mindful Movement, original songs with body percussion, and teacher guidance.

Try Jigsaw Outdoors in your school
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What does Jigsaw Outdoors include?

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  • 36 lesson plans, with progression mapping included

  • 6 lesson plans (with resources) for each year group, ages 3-12

  • Original songs with body percussion

  • Mindful Movement (Mindfulness in the outdoors)

  • Comprehensive training; and support from a Jigsaw Outdoors mentor

  • Seasonal assemblies

Our Puzzle Pieces

These are the main principles of the Jigsaw Outdoor programme:

1. Learning is seen as an experience, not an activity (so you won’t find any mention of activity- or outcomes-based learning).

2. The focus is on how we can encourage the three Es of exploration, experiences and experimenting. At Jigsaw, we are very keen to offer children the means to explore their world (both internal and external), to enjoy enriching experiences, and to experiment in a safe and positive learning environment.

3. We understand the pressure placed on teachers and schools and recognise how this can feel relentless. That is why you will not find any instructions about a specific by-product that must be produced in the lessons. We want teachers to enjoy the freedom that outdoor learning can bring, and to use the lesson ideas as a guide to facilitate creativity and competence in their own considerable skills.

4. Good relationships with self and others lie at the heart of teaching and, in particular, PSHE teaching. At Jigsaw, we encourage you to use this programme to enhance and deepen the relationships you have with children by interacting with them in different environments and under different circumstances. The time that you have with children when they are exploring outdoors, or about the outdoors, is so valuable to you and them alike.

The Jigsaw Outdoor programme complements the themes used in our PSHE 3-12 programme. Whether you are a Jigsaw school or thinking about using this as a standalone resource, the overarching themes and learning can be explored in greater detail on our PSHE Page.

PSHE 3-12

Key Skills and Outcomes for Every Child

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Emotional Awareness and Expression

Children develop the ability to recognise and express their emotions, helping them understand how they feel in different situations and environments, particularly in relation to their personal growth and changes over time.

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Collaboration and Teamwork

Through outdoor activities, children enhance their skills in working cooperatively with peers, building teamwork, communication, and empathy, as well as learning to support and encourage others in group settings.

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Environmental Responsibility and Connection

Children gain a deeper understanding and connectedness to the natural world, learning to care for the environment, recognise the importance of nature, and make responsible choices outdoors, fostering a sense of respect and stewardship for their surroundings.

FAQs

Try not to visualise the ‘perfect’ outdoor learning space. This might stop you seeing what you have available to you and what you could create over time. Remember that the Jigsaw Outdoors programme focuses on learning in and about the outdoors, and this remit is broad and wide. Crucially, the Jigsaw Outdoors programme links the PSHE curriculum to the outdoors: it is not designed to be a purely outdoor learning programme. Use the Jigsaw Outdoors opportunities to develop the space and capabilities you already have, and use the guidance we have produced to inspire you.

Definitely not! This programme is about PSHE and encouraging children to enjoy being outside, connecting with nature. You don’t have to be an outdoor learning ‘expert’. Remember that the lesson plan contains everything you need–vocabulary, resources list, questions to ask, suggestions, underlying principles, ideas... You do not need any additional skills on top of being a good teacher who cares about children and their well-being and enjoys positive relationships with children. Bear in mind that the outdoors is just another environment in which to teach.

The mindful movement practice is to enable children to use a different way to calm themselves and therefore prepare themselves for learning. It is similar to the Calm Me practice, but while Calm Me is stilling of mind and body, the mindful movement practice helps children be more present in their bodies through movement. See the guide on mindful movement.

1. Understand any barriers that people might have. Often, barriers might be because people aren’t sure what PSHE in the outdoors looks or feels like. Explain it in simple terms and focus on the benefits.

2. Keep things simple. Have a few milestones in mind when you start out, but know that this a creative process and might not go according to your original plan.

3. Ask for help and support from keen allies. Contact other schools or settings that are also working in this way and form alliances.

4. Keep asking children for their feedback. They will likely be open and honest.

5. Be light-hearted! PSHE and outdoor learning lend themselves really well to a more playful, creative and authentic way of being.