With schools looking towards making education more accessible and inclusive, the implementation of outdoor classrooms is becoming more and more popular. By providing an exciting and unique learning environment, outdoor classrooms can help improve engagement in lessons and offer hands-on, practical experiences that aren’t possible in the traditional classroom.
However, the benefits of an outdoor classroom go beyond the educational; they are also important for the social, physical, and mental development of children. In this blog, we will consider the advantages of having an outdoor classroom and what outdoor activities children can participate in to make the most of these key benefits.
The Key Benefits of an Outdoor Classroom
There are many benefits of implementing an outdoor classroom into a learning environment, including mental, educational, social, and physical benefits. We have outlined some of the key benefits below:
Improves mental health and wellbeing
There is a vast amount of research suggesting that getting children outside and spending time in nature improves their mental health, mood, and wellbeing. For example, recent research conducted by the University of Glasgow found that children who spent only 60 minutes a day in nature had a 50% lower risk of developing mental health issues. The study also suggests that spending time in nature was particularly beneficial for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
By introducing outdoor classrooms into the school environment, children will be encouraged to connect with nature, allowing them to reap the benefits of being outside. Instead of being confined to an indoor classroom that can feel restrictive, children are able to get active and explore. Outdoor learning can be great for improving the mental health and wellbeing of children in school, as well as facilitating improvements in overall mood, behaviour, confidence, and social skills.
Supports inclusive learning
All children learn in different ways. For some, the structured nature of an indoor classroom can make learning difficult and feel intimidating. Outdoor learning is a lot more unstructured, sensory, and immersive, encouraging children to work together to problem-solve and experience different ways of learning.
Introducing children to a new, exciting learning environment like an outdoor classroom can change their mindset about what education is and should be. Instead of viewing school as something that can be restrictive or comparative, children are introduced to the idea that teaching doesn’t have to be so systematic. They get to explore different methods of learning and find out what works best for them. Inclusivity in education is important in making sure all children are provided with opportunities to learn in ways that best suit them. This can be especially true for children with special educational needs who might see school as particularly stressful or challenging.
Complements curriculum learning
Outdoor learning doesn’t need to replace indoor learning, but it can complement it nicely. It offers an alternative way of learning by providing hands-on, real-life experiences while teaching children important soft skills like communication and teamwork. All of this can be taught alongside educational lessons that support the usual curriculum.
Introducing children to another more hands-on and immersive method of learning can foster a more genuine interest in lessons and topics, compared to regular methods of teaching in classrooms like reading from a textbook.
Encourages participation in lessons
Outside the constraints of a normal, indoor classroom, children might feel more inclined to participate and get stuck into the lesson. Being placed in a new, exciting environment can help children remain engaged and motivated to learn.
An outdoor environment will also typically be more relaxed compared to a busy indoor classroom. With fewer distractions, children can remain focused on the lesson being taught.
Creates a unique and exciting learning environment
Outdoor classrooms provide a change of scenery for children, and it can be exciting for them to be outside their usual indoor learning space. There is a range of outdoor classroom equipment available that will allow you to create unique and engaging spaces where children feel relaxed and motivated to participate and learn.
Facilitates child development
Outdoor classroom environments are not only important for the educational development of children, but their social and physical development too.
The freedom of an outdoor classroom provides children with an increased sense of independence. This encourages them to experiment with a variety of soft skills, including communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Outdoor lessons can be a great tool for improving children’s confidence, which can have a positive impact on their engagement in lessons and their willingness to participate and challenge themselves.
The diverse nature of outdoor learning also supports the physical development of children, particularly in the early-years foundation stages (EYFS). Incorporating learning opportunities that get children outside and active can help improve their balance, coordination, strength, and navigation as they move, run, dance, jump, and crawl around. Find out more about the importance of physical development in EYFS with our guide.
Builds an interest in nature and the environment
Teaching children outside can help create a positive attitude towards nature and the environment. By engaging with nature directly, outdoor classrooms can help children build an interest in and appreciation for the environment. Centring lessons around the ecosystem, climate change, and the human impact on the environment can provide great opportunities to teach valuable lessons about the importance of conservation and looking after the world we live in.
Activities for Outdoor Classrooms
Outdoor classrooms are diverse environments, and children get to participate in a range of activities, from physical activities and games to structured learning opportunities that are more like traditional lessons.
Some examples of activities you can do in outdoor classroom environments include:
- Scavenger hunts: Outdoor scavenger hunts are a fun way to engage children with nature, encourage them to get active, and help teach them about numeracy and literacy. For example, you could ask children to find objects starting with a certain letter, or get them to sort collected objects by shape or size.
- Outdoor reading: Outdoor storytelling areas can provide children with a calming environment where they can practice their reading skills, improve their communication skills, and test their creativity by encouraging them to make up their own stories.
- Outdoor performances: Outdoor stages and theatres are perfect spaces for children to express their creativity, build confidence, and foster an interest in music and the arts.
- Nature walks: Walking in nature connects children with the outdoors and can create an interest in the environment. Encourage them to spot different types of flowers, creepy crawlies, and wildlife, all while teaching them about the importance of protecting that ecosystem.
- Outdoor games: Incorporating outdoor play can provide fun ways of teaching children educational concepts, like spelling, maths, and directional language. This also gets children active and helps with their physical development.
For more inspiration for outdoor learning activities, visit our guides on outdoor writing, outdoor maths, and outdoor play ideas.
Create the Perfect Outdoor Classroom With Sovereign Play
Outdoor classrooms can ultimately be beneficial for the mental, educational, social, and physical development of children. By introducing a different method of teaching that is looser and less structured than traditional classrooms, outdoor classrooms can offer an alternative, more inclusive way of educating children that is less intimidating and more collaborative.
At Sovereign Play, we have over 30 years of experience in designing, installing, and maintaining bespoke playgrounds for schools, including primary schools and secondary schools.
If you are looking to enhance the learning experience of children in schools, contact us online today or call 01702 804200 to discuss how we can help you create the perfect outdoor classroom space with one of our playground experts.
