What are the Benefits of Outdoor Learning?

Outdoor learning provides a range of benefits to young people and it’s unquestionably a vital aspect of their education. Most importantly, it shows children that knowledge can come from a variety of environment, not just the classroom. In fact, there are learning opportunities in everything around us. In fact, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum enforces outdoor experiences on a daily basis. An independent prep school in Surrey explores the benefits of outdoor learning below. 

Firstly, and most obviously, outdoor learning is great for children’s’ physical and mental health. Getting them to stretch and exercise in the fresh air, rather than being stuck at a desk all day is a fantastic method to help tackle childhood obesity and improve the general health and fitness of young people. In addition, hearing the birds and other sounds of nature is a wonderful way to encourage the release serotonin in the brain and therefore decrease stress.

Smaller children (Early Years students) tend to learn retain information more easily when it is experienced through sensory and physical encounters, as do kinaesthetic learners. Lots of these sensual experiences are unique to the outdoors, such as weather and seasons. What’s more, for many students, learning outdoors at school might be their only chance to play out of harm’s way outside, allowing them to appreciate and respect nature. After all, not everyone is lucky enough to have a garden at home. As the majority of parents with young children will know, they tend to really relish the experience of playing and exploring outdoors, whilst enthusiastically absorbing elements of the environment.  

Being out in the real world can reinforce the classroom experience and lead to superior results. It’s a wonderful way to make efficient use of all resources available in a school environment and uncover the different types of interests and hobbies amongst each child. Nevertheless, teaching children about the outdoors doesn’t just have educational repercussions. Learning outdoors is also an ideal way to promote inquisitiveness and develop empathy for the environment. Accordingly, students are far more likely to become conscious global citizens.