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June 10, 2025
As transition days approach, schools across the UK are searching for meaningful ways to support children as they move into new classes. Whether you're settling new children into EYFS, planning transition activity ideas for KS1 or helping KS2 pupils prepare for new expectations, the environment in which these activities take place can make a significant difference.
One of the most effective – and often underused – settings for transition support is the outdoors. Taking transition activities outside offers a range of benefits for both pupils and staff, and can transform the transition experience from something daunting into something joyful and memorable.
1. Outdoor Spaces Help Ease Anxiety
Moving into a new class, meeting a new teacher, or navigating unfamiliar routines can cause anxiety, especially for younger children. Outdoor environments naturally feel more relaxed and open than the classroom. The reduced sensory load, increased space, and calming qualities of nature all help children feel more at ease, making them more receptive to change.
2. Fresh Air Supports Emotional Regulation
Being outdoors has proven mental health benefits – especially for children. Access to natural light, fresh air, and movement helps to regulate mood, reduce stress hormones, and increase feelings of well-being. These emotional benefits are particularly valuable during transitions, when children may be feeling uncertain or overwhelmed.
3. Outdoors Encourages Confidence and Independence
Exploring a familiar outdoor space in a new context – such as with a new group of peers or teacher – can help children build independence. The informality of outdoor settings allows pupils to try new things, express themselves freely, and take initiative. This is essential for developing the confidence they’ll need as they move into the next stage of their education.
4. Outdoor Environments Foster Natural Social Interaction
In contrast to the structure of a classroom, outdoor settings invite more natural social interaction. Children are more likely to talk freely, collaborate spontaneously, and form early friendships when they’re not confined to desks or formal routines. These social connections are key to helping pupils feel safe and settled in their new class.
5. Movement Enhances Engagement and Focus
Physical movement is not just good for the body—it also boosts brain function. When children are allowed to move and be physically active, they tend to stay more alert and engaged. During transition days, this movement supports better attention, memory, and participation—making it more likely that pupils will retain new information about their classroom, routines, and expectations.
6. Outdoor Activities Create Positive, Memorable Experiences
One of the main goals of transition activities is to create positive associations with the new class or year group. Outdoor experiences naturally feel special and enjoyable. Starting the new journey with an uplifting outdoor experience helps children associate school change with excitement rather than anxiety.
Outdoor transition activity pack - EYFS, KS1 & KS2
If those benefits have you bought but you’re wondering what to actually DO outside with your new class, we have you covered! Our brand new outdoor transition activities for EYFS, KS1 & KS2 have been added to The Alfresco Hub! AND we’re making them available to non-members for a limited time too!! Hit the button below to download your copy, FREE now.
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Get your Outdoor Transition Activity Pack - limited time offer
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning transition activity ideas for EYFS, KS1 or KS2, consider the power of the outdoors. Whether it’s a short session on the playground or a full morning in the school garden, outdoor environments offer a unique set of emotional, cognitive, and social benefits that can make a real difference. Sometimes, the most effective transition tool isn't an activity sheet or a circle time—it's a patch of grass and an open sky.