Easy Ways to Take Early Years Literacy Outside

Cover Photo: A group of 4 students laying on the grass reading a book together

As teachers, we often struggle to fit everything into our day. But what if we could combine literacy learning with time outdoors? Outdoor literacy activities not only engage young learners but also foster curiosity, movement, and real-world connections to reading and writing. Here are 11 easy ways to take early literacy outside!

1. Letter Walk

A Letter Walk is a fantastic way for students to practice identifying and writing letters while exploring their environment. Letters are everywhere in human-built settings—you’ll be amazed at how many your students can find!

How to Do It:

  • Review safety rules before heading out.
  • Take a walk around the schoolyard or community.
  • Have students point out letters they see on signs, buildings, or vehicles.
  • Discuss letter shapes, sounds, and the words they spell.
  • Optional: Provide clipboards so students can record and write the letters they find.

2. Phonics Scavenger Hunt

Turn phonics practice into an adventure! A Phonics Scavenger Hunt helps students recognize letters and sounds in their surroundings.

How to Do It:

  • Assign students letters or sounds to search for in nature (e.g., “Find something that starts with B”).
  • Students collect or draw objects that match their letter.
  • Gather as a group to share and discuss their findings.

3. Letter Hunt

Like a Letter Walk, but with a challenge! Before heading outside, give students a list of letters to find.

How to Do It:

  • Have students look for specific letters in their surroundings.
  • When they find one, they can trace it in the air, draw it on paper, or write it in dirt.
A group of 4 kids outdoors with clipboards

4. Read Under a Tree

Encourage a love of reading by taking storytime outdoors. This is probably one of the easiest ways to take literacy outside!

How to Do It:

  • Choose a shady, quiet spot and bring a selection of books.
  • Let students sit or lie down comfortably while you read aloud.
  • Encourage students to talk about the setting and how it relates to the story.

5. Outdoor Writing

Change up your usual writing routine by letting students write outside!

How to Do It:

  • Bring clipboards, notebooks, or chalkboards.
  • Assign a simple writing task (e.g., writing about what they see, a nature-inspired story).
  • Allow students to share their writing with a partner or the class.

6. Nature Journals

Nature journals encourage observation, creativity, and early writing skills.

How to Do It:

  • Give students small notebooks for recording observations.
  • Have them draw, write, or label things they see.
  • Ask them to describe nature using their senses (e.g., “The grass feels soft”).

Some ready-made nature journals can be found here:

7. Group Story Writing

Collaborative storytelling builds teamwork and literacy skills!

How to Do It:

  • Start a story and have students take turns adding sentences.
  • Record the story on paper or a whiteboard.
  • Read the final story together!

8. Storytelling Games

Encourage creativity and verbal storytelling with fun, outdoor-friendly games.

How to Do It:

  • Use a storytelling dice or picture cards.
  • Have students take turns creating parts of a story.
  • Incorporate elements from nature (e.g., “The leaf became a magic boat…”).

9. Dirt Writing

A no-prep, hands-on way to practice letter formation and spelling!

How to Do It:

  • Give each student a stick and have them write letters or words in the dirt.
  • Challenge them to spell their name or sight words.
  • Smooth out the dirt and start again!

10. Nature Poetry

Encourage students to observe the beauty of nature and express themselves through poetry.

How to Do It:

  • Have students sit quietly and observe their surroundings.
  • Ask them to describe what they see, hear, and feel.
  • Guide them in writing simple rhyming or free verse poetry.

11. Non-Fiction Writing

Outdoor experiences provide rich opportunities for non-fiction writing.

How to Do It:

  • Have students research and write about plants, animals, or weather.
  • Create simple “How-To” guides (e.g., “How to Find Animal Tracks”).
  • Use outdoor observations to inspire informational writing.

Final Thoughts

Taking literacy outdoors is an easy and engaging way to integrate learning and movement. Whether students are searching for letters, writing poetry, or listening to a story under a tree, these activities make literacy learning fun and meaningful. Try one (or all!) of these activities and watch your students’ love for reading and writing grow!

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