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Literacy and nature

Wild places offer inspiration and multi-sensory experiences that can be a springboard for developing literacy skills – from capturing feelings of awe and wonder, to getting creative with natural media or tuning into the smaller details of the natural world.

    Dandelion and Hare

    Literacy & Nature Resource Guide

    Inspiration and actions for your own journey to discover the links between literacy and nature - produced by the John Muir Trust. Download now

    Lost Words - Otter Poem

    The Lost Words

    A beautifully illustrated book woven around words moving to the margins of many children’s lives and stories. Find downloadable resources, including an Explorer’s Guide, along with activities, examples and more. Find out more

    John Muir Award teacher training

    Literacy and Nature Training Guidance

    Downloadable resource with ideas for running a professional development session, including outdoor activity ideas. Download now

    Interest in participating in Literacy & Nature training? See here for more information

    Credit Jenny Wragg

    Case studies

    See the stories below for examples of how the Award is used with young people and adults to contribute to literacy skills development: 

    • As part of a whole year group project, pupils at Larbert High School used their first-hand experiences of nature to inspire creative writing  
    • An alternative curriculum programme framed around developing literacy skills took nature as its focus at Burnfoot Community School
    • A partnership between Inverclyde Council and horticultural charity Parklea Branching Out saw adult learners achieve personal literacy and numeracy goals through community gardening
    • Bringing together citizen science and Gaelic, students at Breadalbane Academy explored local connections with landscape through language