What is the purpose of an outdoor classroom?
The goal of the Outdoor Classroom is simple: to increase the quantity, quality, and benefits of outdoor experiences for children. Learning takes place outdoors that doesn’t occur indoors. It is important, then, that outdoor environments be as richly and thoughtfully equipped as indoor ones.
How do I bring nature to my classroom?
Here are 50 ideas and tips to teach with nature.
- Have a picnic. Take a day to have a picnic lunch outside with your students.
- Research your state nature symbols.
- Create a schoolyard habitat.
- Get to know Nature Works Everywhere.
- Make s’mores!
- Do a soil test.
- Bring animals into the classroom.
- Hang nature art.
What are the benefits of the outdoor science classroom?
Studies have shown that students who learn outdoors develop: a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making and problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline and initiative.
How do you create an outdoor learning environment?
When designing a school-age outdoor space, it is important to consider the following:
- Adequate space for play for the children and youth in your program (large programs may need staggered outdoor times to keep it from being overcrowded)
- Sheltered space that provides shade and protection from the weather.
What are the benefits of outdoor play?
Physical Development Benefits of Outdoor Play
- Improved Motor Skills.
- Lower Body Mass Index.
- Improved Overall Health.
- Improved Muscle Strength.
- Increased Openness With Parents and Caregivers.
- Greater Self-Awareness.
- Appreciation for the Environment.
- Improved Peer-to-Peer Relationships.
What can I teach about nature?
What Does Nature Teach Us? 14 Lessons From The Natural World
- Naturalist Intelligence.
- Presence & Awareness.
- Using Your Senses.
- Unstoppable Focus.
- Stillness & Meditation.
- Authenticity.
- Awe & Wonder.
- Gratitude & Appreciation.
Why is nature important in child development?
Nature provides countless opportunities for discovery, creativity, problem-solving, and STEM education. Interacting with natural environments allows children to learn by doing and experiment with ideas. In nature, children think, question, and make hypotheses — thereby developing inquisitive minds.
How connecting with nature affects academics?
In academic contexts, nature-based instruction outperforms traditional instruction. Nature may promote learning by improving learners’ attention, levels of stress, self-discipline, interest and enjoyment in learning, and physical activity and fitness.
What should an outdoor classroom have?
6 key ingredients to creating an outdoor classroom
- Location, location, location.
- Whiteboards.
- Seating.
- Shade.
- Storage.
- Raised Beds.
- Inexpensive add-ons.
- Protect the investment and produce long-term impact.
How do you promote outdoor play?
15 fun ways to encourage your child to play outside
- Go on a nature walk, run or bike ride.
- Play with water.
- Go camping.
- Climb a hill and roll all the way down.
- Play Pooh Sticks.
- Have a picnic.
- Plant flowers.
- Build a den.
How is nature beneficial in primary education?
The outdoor environment encourages skills such as problem solving and negotiating risk which are important for child development. But opportunities for children to access the natural environment are diminishing. Children are spending less time outside due to concerns over safety, traffic, crime, and parental worries.