St Malachy's Primary School, Kilclief, Downpatrick

Outdoor learning with loose parts 🪵

21st Apr 2026

Primary 1 and Primary 2 children spent time outdoors today working with the Primary 6/7 pupils engaging in team-building activities using loose parts as part of their outdoor play. Working in small groups, the children planned together, selected appropriate materials, and designed dens that were strong and spacious enough to accommodate all members of their group.

Throughout the activity, there was a great deal of discussion, cooperation, and problem-solving. The children experimented with different ideas, showing resilience through trial and error as they adjusted their designs to make them more stable and effective. They listened to one another, shared roles, and worked collaboratively to achieve a common goal.

The outcomes were impressive, with each group successfully creating a den that reflected thoughtful planning and teamwork. Just as notable were the children’s organisational skills at the end of the session, as they carefully sorted and returned all materials, demonstrating responsibility and respect for their learning environment.