Benefits Of Outdoor Classrooms

“Only seven per cent of Canadian children are meeting standards for physical activity, 82 per cent of teenagers are not active enough and two-thirds of Canadians are Vitamin D deficient.” (http://tinyurl.com/mbosr37)

When I read this quote I was not surprised at all. Many children today are indoors and rely on the television for their entertainment. Walking around my area I noticed no children in the park, no children outside laughing, and no children riding their bikes. All I see are cars driving down the streets… It makes me wonder why children have so many health risks now a days. But if we can support children into having opportunities to be outdoors and to explore in nature, then their imagination and learning will grow.

“An increasing number of studies point to the positive benefits. It can help alleviate signs of anxiety and depression, increase energy levels and boost concentration”. (http://tinyurl.com/mbosr37)

By being outdoors and having an environment that children can learn and explore in, we not only provide them with a special place of their own, but we give them many benefits to help support them in various ways.

Children and teachers all benefit from the outdoor classroom learning environment. Not only are there educational learning benefits but there are also health benefits of being outside. According to a document called “Building Outdoor Classrooms” there was a list of benefits that really caught my attention.

These benefits include:

• Improved mood and happier students

• Enhanced appreciation for the outdoors through interaction

• Increased retention rate for subject material

• Improved learning experience for tactile and experiential learners

• Lowered school violence and bullying, and improved social skills

• Increased understanding of complex ecological concepts

• Incorporation of physical activity across subject areas

• Opportunity to get out of the classroom if the school does not have the funds to go on field trips

• Community engagement for outdoor spaces that are used beyond the school community

Click this link to find out more information on the benefits of outdoor classrooms. (http://tinyurl.com/oddm3rk)

The benefits of outdoor classroom make me question why these environments are not mandatory for all students in the education system. I mean there are so many positive reasons to make these classrooms a necessity to the school system. These classrooms are inclusive to all students especially ones who may not work well with pen to paper type of learning. Hands-on learning is what all children will have the opportunity to achieve and succeed in their own learning. These first-hand observations can help children instantly promote questions and analysis of their learning environment. A bug sitting on a log can promote questions such as “What kind of bug is this? What does it eat? How long does it live for?” All of these hypothesis and analysis are encouraging learning in an environment that stimulates their creativity, exploration, and inquiry.

“Outdoor learning is enjoyable and inclusive of all the students. Some students may not have gardens or outdoor play spaces at home, and outside learning provides them with a chance to be in the open air.” (http://tinyurl.com/mbosr37)

We as educators need to focus on providing children with many opportunities in life to help them learn, inquire, grow and inspire!