The pandemic, along with our increasingly digital learning landscape, meant that spending time outside was more valued than ever, especially by learners and educators.
Though education was maintained through remote measures, skills outside of the classroom were neglected, meaning whole generations of learners missed out on key life skills. Behind a screen, many felt that hands-on learning and creativity suffered during COVID-19. Now we must encourage kids and young people to seek more real-world learning and reduce stress by spending more time outdoors.
One idea to help get young people back into nature was the development of outdoor classrooms. If you are looking into creating such a space, explore the concept below!
What Is An Outdoor Classroom?
An outdoor classroom is exactly what it says on the tin: A space outside where learning extends beyond its usual boundaries within a school environment.
There are no physical requirements for an outdoor classroom, meaning it is never limited by budget or space constraints. It can include outdoor seating areas like benches, outdoor canopies for shelter, and often nature-based areas for hands-on learning.
Growing Popularity of Outdoor Classrooms
Educators and teachers alike are increasingly recognising the importance of spending time outside. And while play is crucial, learning can also be spent in fresh air, with proven benefits to wellbeing and concentration. As a result, more and more schools and educational environments are turning to facilities like outdoor classrooms to enhance the curriculum.
Benefits of Outdoor Classrooms
Learning outside of a traditional classroom space is not only great for young people’s mental health, but it’s also excellent for engagement. According to a report from Muddy Hands, 88% of teachers reported that children are more engaged in learning when taking lessons outdoors. Not only this, but outdoor lessons boosted mental health and meant kids were more active overall. These incredible statistics are just the start of what outdoor classrooms can do for young people.
1. Improved Concentration
Many teachers have reported that pupils have better concentration levels and behave better after taking some lessons outdoors. This can considerably improve learning outcomes for the whole class.
2. Boost Physical Wellbeing
Reducing the time spent sitting down for young people can mean that kids are more active in general. What’s more, physical stimulation can promote healthier habits for life, which is an excellent outcome for single classes and, in turn, entire schools.
3. Encourage Creativity
More hands-on learning in an outdoor classroom is a great way to develop new ways of thinking and creativity skills. From investigating insects to building things, pupils can find inspiration in their outdoor lessons that they wouldn’t find on the whiteboard.
4. Develop Environmental Awareness
With more time spent getting to know nature, with hands-on activities taking up time in many outdoor classrooms, many children develop a better awareness of their environment. This can develop more climate-conscious individuals, more aware of their natural surroundings.
Outdoor Classroom Ideas for Schools & Nurseries
Are you interested in starting an outdoor classroom for your next school term? As mentioned, there are no requirements for an outdoor learning environment, meaning they can be flexible to any budget, age group, space, and curriculum. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Create a Sensory Garden: Create a place with colourful, nice-smelling plants, be they raised beds or planted in soil, for kids to explore and learn in.
- Implement a Storytelling Circle: Create a circular area with outdoor seating in order to host storytelling sessions for younger age groups. These can even be temporary with multi-functional beanbags.
- Create an Outdoor Shelter or Canopy: With a few outdoor tables, implement an area of shade and shelter so that lessons can be taken outdoors at all times of the year. You could even temporarily move your classroom tables outside if you wanted to - but make sure to bring them in when bad weather is forecast!
- Outdoor Chalkboards or Easels: For more creative endeavours, weather-proof art supplies can be a great and sustainable way to get young people to create.
- Polytunnel or Greenhouse: For teaching young people about the wonders of seeds and gardening, a polytunnel can be a great way to get started.
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