Many primary teachers would agree that having the opportunity to take lessons outdoors into nature is extremely beneficial to children. In this blog post we explore just some of the benefits of outdoor teaching…
Room for growth
Getting outdoors with your pupils is a great way to teach them about planting seeds and watching them grow into flowers or plants. It teaches them responsibility as they must ensure their seeds are planted in the correct environment and watered regularly, as well as patience as they slowly watch them grow over the weeks. Being outdoors helps to educate them further about all of the living things that we are surrounded by in our everyday lives.
It can also teach them about how we can grow our own fruit and veg at home instead of buying it from the supermarket all the time.
Adventure & free thinking
Children have the most amazing imaginations. Letting them explore in nature outside of the four walls of a classroom is a great way to nurture and encourage their imaginations further. From building campfires to climbing trees, a ‘risky-play’ approach under the observation of teachers will allow children to focus on problem-solving. It will also help them find determination in challenging situations as opposed to only focusing on risks.
An appreciation for nature and the environment
Discussions around protecting our planet are becoming more important than ever before. By taking your class outside into nature it allows them to develop awareness and appreciation for the environment around us. From learning about habitats to the different types of trees, educating your pupils in an outdoor setting where they can see, touch and smell is likely to be much more beneficial than a powerpoint presentation or video.
A great way to fully engage them is to create a nature scavenger hunt which will encourage them to explore the area and really focus on their findings. Why not take some magnifying glasses too so they can really get up close!
Promotes health and wellbeing
It’s a no brainer that spending time outdoors does wonders for our mental wellbeing for both adults and children. When you go outdoors with your class it doesn’t necessarily need to always be about learning. Letting them take some thinking time in the fresh air for themselves is just as beneficial as the outdoor educational time.
You will probably find that allowing them to have this type of ‘free’ time will help them to focus when it’s time to go back inside the classroom.
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