The purpose of school is to prepare students for the future – teaching them valuable skills, such as balance and coordination, grip and grasp, communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and more.
Studies show that healthier and happier children do better academically, but that’s not to say that all lessons must be taught within the four walls of the classroom…
Outdoor learning has innumerable benefits for both children and staff. So, why aren’t more schools opting for outdoor classrooms?
In today’s article, we’re going to be looking closely at the reasons why you should consider taking lessons outdoors and how the team at Setter Play can help.
Top 5 benefits of outdoor classrooms
1.Make learning fun – whether it be English, maths, art or science, taking lessons outside not only breaks up the monotony of the school day but can also help teachers to create enthusiasm for learning – even for those who are hard to engage in the classroom environment. It provides a real-world context and allows children to become more engaged in their education.
2.Promote teamwork – when lessons are taught outside, children interact and work together differently from when they are in the classroom. Teachers can split everyone into pairs or groups, and outdoor classrooms are great for breaking down barriers, improving relationships, and helping students grow in confidence.
3.Enhance personal, social, and emotional development – whilst some people learn best by listening, absorbing information like a sponge, others acquire knowledge and skill through real-life, practical, or hands-on activities.And learning outdoors gives pupils new and exciting experiences that inspire them to reach their true potential, at the same time as improving motivation, personal development, and behaviour.
4.Address inequality – pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds or with special educational needs or disabilities may struggle in the traditional classroom environment. However, switching things up and teaching parts of the curriculum outdoors can increase self-esteem and help the entire class to be more engaged in their studies – both inside and outside the classroom.
5.Improve classroom behaviour – typically, kids work better in groups when in the great outdoors. They aren’t sat in regimented seating patterns, and it’s a refreshing new setting – providing a bit of variety to the four classroom walls. More importantly, talk of using outdoor classrooms for just an hour or two every week can also get pupils on their best behaviour, as they don’t want to spoil it for the rest of the class!
Could your school benefit from an outdoor classroom?
Setter Play understand that it’s not just about what students learn at school but how and where they learn it, too. That’s why they provide a comprehensive range of outdoor classrooms and teaching canopies that make it possible for you to take lessons outside all year round – come rain or shine.
Their design team is always on hand to discuss your requirements and can even help you create a plan for your outdoor classroom, carefully considering space, safety, and budget.
