Outdoor Explorers: Nature-Based Workshops

Celebrate Earth Day with Smart D8 & Our Lady of Lourdes National School

To mark Earth Day 2025, SmartD8 partnered with Our Lady of Lourdes National School, Inchicore, to deliver immersive outdoor workshops that encouraged environmental awareness and hands-on engagement with the natural world. Set in the picturesque War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge, Dublin 8, the sessions combined learning, creativity, and play in a refreshing outdoor classroom.

Workshops Recap

On Monday, April 7th 2025, two one-hour workshops were delivered by Rosalinde Schut, part of the Smart D8 Tutors and Facilitators Panel. First and second class students – 34 in total, aged 6 to 8 – took part in these vibrant workshops from 10 am until 12 pm.

Each workshop began in a circle where students introduced themselves and picked a playful “nature name” to spark connection. The group then split into smaller teams to rotate through three nature activity stations. Each station featured two engaging, accessible activities designed to foster creativity, teamwork, focus, and environmental care. By the end of the workshop, every child had completed six unique tasks rooted in nature.

Workshops Goals

These nature-based workshops helped the students connect with the outdoors and each other.

They were designed to:

  • Introduce students to the War Memorial Gardens

  • Teach the meaning and importance of Earth Day

  • Promote environmental awareness and responsibility

  • Encourage hands-on interaction with nature

  • Foster collaboration in a non-competitive setting

  • Provide an enriching outdoor learning experience

Workshops Highlights

The sessions were enthusiastically received by both students and staff. Children were curious, engaged, and remarkably calmer while participating in the outdoor activities. Teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) highlighted how inclusive the workshops were, with students of all abilities able to join in at their own pace.

There was a noticeable shift in energy as children connected with the natural surroundings and with one another. Activities like nature observation and litter collection helped them reflect on their role in caring for the planet.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Students described the day as “fun”, “mind-blowing”, “lovely”, and “excellent”, and said they felt “happy”, “delighted”, and “calm” afterwards.

Teachers and SNAs appreciated the break from routine and expressed a strong interest in bringing more nature-based activities into the classroom. One SNA commented on how well students with autism responded to the environment, while the school principal shared:

“All the staff and children were really happy with today’s nature workshops. They all commented on how great it was, how many activities there were, and how no one was ever bored. Everyone loved it. Several staff members are already asking if we can do more. The children gave it a 10 out of 10. A few children from our autism class also took part, and they absolutely loved it. A huge thank you for organising this – it’s brilliant to see everyone returning so positive and happy after a trip.”

What’s Next?

These workshops clearly met a need, offering students a meaningful way to engage with nature while giving educators a fresh perspective on outdoor learning.

SmartD8 is excited to build on this success and bring even more nature-based educational opportunities to schools across Dublin 8. As one teacher put it, “Can we do more?” , the answer is “Absolutely!”.