Learning outdoors articles

Why we may be getting outdoor education (very) wrong

'The rise of forest schools has changed perceptions about what effective outdoor education looks like – but do you really need a campfire to see the benefits of learning in the open air?'
'... forest school is just one approach to outdoor learning. And there are those who worry that this way of doing things could be overshadowing other, more traditional approaches. So, what do we really know about what works when it comes to outdoor learning?' Zofia Niemtus, TES, 20 July 2022.

Why Build An Outdoor Classroom?

"Eric Nelson's book, Cultivating Outdoor Classrooms, clarifies the vision of the outdoor classroom and explains how it addresses the needs of today's children. The following insights are taken from this book in the hope that you'll take the time to read it in its entirety." Outdoortopia, 6 March 2020.

5 ways to focus on outdoor learning throughout primary

‘If more teachers realised the beneficial possibilities presented by outdoor learning within a “broad and balanced curriculum”, then more value might be placed on this teaching approach to achieve curricular aims and provide greater equity.’ TES, 19 February 2020.

Time with nature boosts our school work, say pupils

Study by the Wildlife Trusts (also mentioned below) finds that outdoor activity can also help children feel more confident and capable of trying new things. TES, 7 November 2019.

Learning outside for just one lesson a week boosts learning and behaviour, say researchers

“… research found that children’s wellbeing increased after they had spent time connecting with nature and that they gained educational benefits as well as wider personal and social benefits.” Citing research by the Wildlife Trusts (as above). The Telegraph (behind paywall), 6 November 2019.

Top 10 Tips for Outdoor Environmental Teaching

"Outdoor environmental education is a brilliant way to engage students with hands-on science and ecological understanding that reinforces classroom learning. Teachers and environmental educators alike can always benefit from adapting their teaching approaches, tools and methods to maximize learning in outdoor settings." Outdoortopia, 20 March 2019.

It’s time for schools to embrace outdoor learning

‘Something I had failed to understand … was the benefits outdoor learning can bring in developing the “whole child”: in areas such as self-confidence, social skills, motivation and concentration, not to mention an improvement in language and communication skills.‘ TES, 4 February 2019.

Take early education outdoors – even in winter

‘The physical and learning benefits of teaching outside mean you should wrap up warm and get on with it … we should be actively encouraging their outdoor play for a variety of reasons.’ TES, 29 January 2019.

Why On Earth Do We Trap School Children Inside Four Walls to Learn?

‘What would we need to do to truly incorporate curriculum-based outdoor education into every child’s learning? What might the barriers and challenges be?’ Outdoortopia, 1 November 2018.

What are the benefits of outdoor learning?

‘As outdoor education advocates, JCA have compiled some of the benefits of outdoor learning and why we recommend teachers as well as parents to take part in this inspiring campaign.’ (Outdoor Classroom Day). JCA, 4 October 2018.

Outdoor education prepares pupils for GCSEs

‘Adventure-based activities build resilience and confidence – the ideal preparation for the GCSE years, writes one head.’ TES, 3 September 2018.

It’s obvious: learning outside the classroom works

‘At last, evidence for what we already knew – teaching beyond the classroom is essential, writes one head’, discussing research looking at out-of-class learning at Gordonstoun. TES, 13 May 2018.

Dirt is Good: Why the Outdoors is the World’s Greatest Playground

The ethos and benefits of Outdoor Classroom Day. ‘…reasserting the importance of outdoor learning and play with the goal that children will spend more time outside in the world’s greatest playground.’ National Geographic, 7 May 2018.

Using the outdoors as a classroom: Forest School approach being explored in Kenora

‘Being outside ‘makes us happier beings’ and more attentive says principal of Keewatin Public School.’ Nice description of how the curriculum is being taken outdoors at a school in Ontario. CBC (Canada), 3 April 2018.

Why Teach Literacy Outside?

Here are ten reasons to get outside and teach literacy! “Recently I was asked to think about why I teach literacy outside. Whilst there is a lot of focus on early years and literacy, the value of reading, writing, talking and listening outside for children and young people of all ages is significant.” Juliet Robertson of Creative STAR Learning, Circle of Life Rediscovery blog, 7 February 2018.

Outdoor lessons improve children’s learning

‘A study found that, after teaching a lesson outside, teachers were able to hold kids’ attention for nearly twice as long during a subsequent indoor lesson.’ This article summarises it. Treehugger (US), 19 January 2018.

Digital knowledge is a poor substitute for learning in the real world

Today, children spend more time learning in front of a screen than they do outdoors. But does this harm their understanding of the real world and physical mechanisms? ScienceNordic, 9 January 2018.

It’s official: muddy kids learn best

“Outdoor learning for children might be breaking into the mainstream – and having seen the benefits first-hand, I’m thrilled”, says Guardian writer Patrick Barkham, discussing his children’s award-winning outdoor nursery and forest school. The Guardian, 23 October 2017.

How a school garden has transformed the way we teach

‘From finding fresh ways to engage children in maths to improving behaviour, we’ve put a garden at the heart of learning … Four years on, gardening has become a central part of the curriculum’ says headteacher. The Guardian, 29 September 2017.

Wood Wise – nature inspires education

‘In this issue teachers and practitioners share their approaches to integrating nature with education.’ Articles include: Learning and development through forest school; Educating primary schools through Teaching Trees; and Bringing outdoor learning to life. Journal of the Woodland Trust, Autumn 2017.

10 Ways to Teach Children about Where Their Food Comes From

“Ways that parents can help to connect their children with the outdoors in general and farming in particular.” Farmer’s Wife & Mummy blog, 6 July 2017.

A natural history GCSE? It might help get our children outdoors

The experts agree: children are too enclosed. Lessons about Britain’s flora and fauna could be the answer. The Guardian, 1 April 2017.

Outdoor learning ‘boosts children’s development’

Outdoor learning can have a positive impact on children’s development but it needs to be formally adopted, a report suggests. ‘… although there was a significant body of research that supports outdoor learning in both formal and informal contexts, it was likely to remain on the margins of education until the benefits were recognised by policymakers and reflected in policies.‘ BBC Science & Environment News, 15 July 2016.

Want your kids to do well at school? Send them outside to play

‘The decline of free play time in favor of structured learning has resulted in never-seen-before sensory issues and emotional problems in young children.’ Treehugger (US), 16 February 2016.

Five easy ways urban schools can experiment with outdoor learning

‘Outdoor learning isn’t just the preserve of rural schools. These simple ideas will help you incorporate outdoor learning in a concrete jungle.’ The Guardian, 3 February 2016.

The Facts about Outdoor Learning: What’s all the buzz about?

‘The following quotes and links are just a start to show you how outdoor learning can create a positive impact in a variety of different ways.’ Teach Outdoors, c2016.

We need fewer exams and more wilderness in education

“Instead of pumping time and money into exams, we should focus on wellbeing and encouraging children to connect with the natural world.” Broadcaster, traveller and adventurer Ben Fogle considers national tests for 7 year-olds and the importance of nature for children. The Guardian, 12 December 2015.

Mud pies and green spaces – why children do better when they can get outdoors

‘It seems that research across many areas and disciplines now needs to be combined to fully understand the green uplift effect in many aspects of education, health, development and well-being, particularly for young people.’ The Conversation, 15 June 2015.

Incorporating Nature Into School Reduces Children’s Stress and Improves Learning

Reporting on a study that ‘found that incorporating natural habitats into schoolyards helps students cope more appropriately with stress, while increasing attention span and reducing conflict. ‘ The Epoch Times (US), 3 September 2014.

Udeskole in Scandinavia: Teaching and Learning in Natural Places

‘… the approach is often to work with an academic subject matter or concept in its real, concrete form to facilitate learning and understanding. Schools and teachers often argue for the potential of pupils’ getting to know their neighborhood and visiting nature as an aspect of everyday life.’ With references & links to research. Children & Nature Network, 12 February 2013.

Top Ten Reasons to have an Outdoor Classroom in Every Schoolyard

The Green Schoolyard Network (US), 25 September 2011

The Facts about Outdoor Learning

“There are huge benefits in providing children with opportunities to have regular access to outdoor environments. The following quotes and links are just a start to show you how outdoor learning can create a positive impact in a variety of different ways.” Teach Outdoors (not dated).

Seven easy steps to introduce outdoor learning in your school

“So, you’ve probably heard the benefits of outdoor learning a dozen times; alert, happy, healthy, well-socialised kids learning all sorts of curriculum-based subjects by doing… But when it comes to actually introducing outdoor learning into your teaching, we know it can feel a bit daunting. That’s why our Education Team, who have lots of experience delivering these sorts of outdoor activities – as well as helping teachers do the same in their school – have produced a quick guide to get you started.” From the education team at the Eden Project (not dated).