One education trend that has gained significant momentum in primary schools over the last few years is the creation of outdoor classrooms or learning areas. Although this might sound unconventional, outdoor classrooms have been revealing a range of benefits for both pupils and teachers. In this article, we will explore the impact that outdoor classrooms can have on the learning experience in primary schools.

Nature and Wellbeing

Regular interaction with the outdoors has been scientifically linked to a host of physical and mental health benefits for children. Those who frequently engage with nature tend to be more physically active, reducing the risk of obesity, while they also benefit from regular exposure to sunlight, which aids in vitamin D production and is crucial for bone health and a fully functioning immune system. From a wellbeing perspective, the calming essence of nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and negative emotions. In an age where a growing number of young children struggle with mental health issues, outdoor classrooms can provide a calmer and healthier environment in which to learn and stay focussed.

Enhanced Engagement and Retention

Outdoor settings can often prove more stimulating than the four walls of the traditional classroom. This means young children are likely to be more attentive and curious when working outdoors in the playground. For teachers, it means they can link their lessons to real-world environments which can encourage greater engagement in activities and ensure that pupils better remember the experience. For example, learning about plants becomes much more meaningful when children can actually touch, see and smell the flora they’re studying.

Development of Social Skills

With all that extra space, outdoor learning environments are a great place to get children working in small groups. In doing so, children get to practice and develop their teamwork, communication and negotiation skills. They will learn to work collaboratively, solve problems as a group and negotiate roles and responsibilities – all of which are important life skills.

Respect for the Environment

If your school’s outdoor space has a nature area, children who spend time there develop a bond with it. Over time, this will help foster a sense of responsibility for the environment and a deeper appreciation for nature. In this way, schools can nurture future generations who will be more inclined to protect the planet and develop environmentally friendly lifestyles.

Improved Concentration

Several studies have suggested that children demonstrate better concentration and are less disruptive after spending time outdoors. For teachers, this can mean that the outdoor classroom is the ideal place to teach topics that demand longer periods of focus. At the same time, lessons that can often end up being disrupted, like the last lesson of the day, may be better off being taught outside. This ‘nature effect’ may also be helpful in reducing symptoms of ADHD.

Outdoor Classrooms Offer Real-World Learning

Another benefit of outdoor classrooms is that they enable real-world application of knowledge. Whether it’s landscape drawing, recording local weather patterns with a weather station, observing insects in the bug house, or studying the properties of different soils using a discovery planter, students can experience the practical implications of their lessons.

Inclusive Learning

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the flexibility of outdoor spaces can be highly beneficial. The openness, change of scenery and varied stimuli can be particularly engaging for children who might find traditional classroom settings restrictive.

Challenges and Solutions

There are some challenges to teaching in the playground and these are often enough to put many teachers off the idea, despite the benefits. For every challenge, however, there is a solution. While the most obvious challenge is the weather, schools can now install sail shades for hot days and large, octagonal shelters for cooler and wetter days. The latter are big enough for whole classes and come with seating, windbreak backrests and whiteboards.

Safety can also be a concern for teachers when it comes to outdoor learning. However, as long as there are clear guidelines and boundaries, there should be little problem within a playground-based classroom.

A final concern raised by many staff is the lack of equipment to deliver the curriculum outside. Luckily, that issue is now being addressed. At ESP Play, for example, not only do we provide a range of outdoor seating, tables and upright whiteboards; we also provide a growing selection of subject-specific outdoor equipment designed to cover almost every area of the curriculum.

Conclusion

Outdoor classrooms offer a refreshing, engaging and multifaceted approach to learning and can provide a range of benefits, from improved wellbeing to heightened engagement. With the right equipment at your disposal, you can transform the learning experience for your pupils.

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