Life can be busy, complicated, and stressful. It can be like this for everyone – and no less so for children.  In a world packed full of tech, it is important for us all to take a time-out and absorb ourselves into nature.

Data from the ‘Natural Environment Survey’ – one of the world’s largest studies of people and their interactions with nature, tells us that “two hours of nature a week significantly boosts health and wellbeing.”

Children’s mental health is an important topic right now and it is wonderful to see that so many schools are thinking outside of the box to tackle the mental health risks of their students.

Why outdoor classrooms?

The classroom is an important learning environment, but not the only one.  With other 25 learning hours per week, there could be huge benefits to schools creating a wider range of environments and balanced curriculum for students.  Below we have explored our favorite 7 benefits for getting your students outside.

1. A fun way to learn

Getting outdoors can be a brilliant way for students to see, explore, and learn.  Children learn better when they enjoy what they are doing, so not only can taking your classroom outdoor be an opportunity for children to have fun, smile, and embrace being outdoor, it can also help children to learn and retain information.

2. Helps develop gross motor skills

Young children need the chance to use their whole body to develop their gross motor skills.  Being outdoor creates more opportunity and space to skip, jump, run, balance, hop, and explore all the ways to be physically active and build body confidence.

3. Develops social skills

Changing the surroundings can really bring something out of a student that cannot be seen in a classroom environment.  Some children ‘come out of their shell’ when outside.  This change in presence can help create new friendships, build relationships with peers and teaching staff, and help individuals share ideas, work better in groups, and find alternative ways to engage.

4. Boosts emotional wellness, self-esteem, and confidence

Stress prevents creativity.  It can affect the mood and behavior of children.  Outside learning (perhaps with a more lenient behavior policy) can take the classroom environment pressures away leaving students feeling more relaxed and confident and willing to learn.

5. Encourages an active & healthy lifestyle

Being outdoor encourages activity.  Fresh air can help children sleep better, move more, and want to be outside more.  These things lead onto children leading healthier lifestyles including eating and living more healthy.  It is important to encourage children to form healthy habits from a young age, and what better way than letting nature do the talking.

6. Promotes understanding and care for the environment

Children become more aware of the environment the more they experience it.  They can begin to understand the importance of respecting the world and preserving nature.  This can help with future class topics and raise discussions around current affairs such as climate change.

7. Learning through problem solving

Problem solving activities are endless in outdoor space, regardless of its size.  Outdoor learning can offer a variety of educational and engaging ways for students to solve problems, both individually and as a team.  Children will often think of fresh ideas that they may not have considered in a classroom.  Team problem-solving is also a perfect opportunity to test a student’s leadership qualities.  

Creating an outdoor learning environment

If your school is looking to create an outdoor learning environment you should consider the space required for learning in groups and classes.  Will the space be sheltered for all-year-round use?  Would a canopy or undercover space be useful?  Also, think about the equipment required and any types of furniture, benches, standing tables, etc. and ensure the space is safe, and available to use throughout the day.

If your school already has a designated outdoor learning space that is a great start.  A timetable for the space is worth having to ensure it is available to use, but also think about other spaces that could be used around school.

What if you don’t have the space for an outdoor classroom?

If your school doesn’t have a designated space, it doesn’t mean outdoor learning cannot take place.  Think about spaces that are available to use.  Get out and investigate.  Set some boundaries so children have some freedom to explore, but also have some structure to keep students reassured and on task.

Think about your intended lesson theme.  Will it work in terms of equipment and resources?  Do the children need to be sitting down?  Will they require rain coats, hats, wellies?

A good starting point might be having a go at our PE Planning Orienteering plans. Even if you are not a subscriber, you can download lesson one for free.

There’s no ‘wrong way’ to create opportunities for outdoor learning, but there is plenty to gain by simply going out, and exploring your outdoor space with your class.