Outdoor Learning
Background
Outdoor learning in the UK can be described as experiential learning in the outdoors. Borrowed largely from Scandinavia, the idea is to free children to learn not by rote, but through play. It allows them to use their initiative and relies for its success on a ratio of one adult to everyone children. In 2011 schools inspectorate Estyn said children under 5 learn better and develop quicker with outdoor lessons, and generally preserver with tasks for longer in this setting. It was reported that outdoor experiences generally improved children’s well being, behaviour, physical development, knowledge and understanding of the world.
Why it is important?
Both indoor and outdoor learning is important. However, sometimes the outdoor environment can be more effective and a stimulating place to learn compared too indoors. Frequent outdoor learning encourages children to engage with their natural and built heritage and brings many benefits in terms of health and well being. As well, the outdoors provides excellent opportunities to use and develop a wide range of skills and abilities not always relevant in the classroom.
The benefits of outdoor learning
The benefits of a well designed, stimulating, dynamic outdoor area provides irresistible learning opportunities for children and extends and supports indoor learning. Changes in the seasons and weather develop children holistically and encourage specific areas of learning, in particular knowledge and understanding of the world. Quiet children often ‘find their voice’ outdoors and use language differently. It is a fabulous place to share stories, sing songs, action rhymes and develop role play. Feelings and emotions can be explored in relaxing, quiet places; alternatively excited and creative feelings can be explored in places to be loud. Numeracy and problem solving can be supported with hands on practical experiences where children can work on a bigger scale that may not be possible indoors.
Managing risk and meeting new challenges
Outdoor learning encourages children to manage physical risk and to have a go and test their own boundaries without the fear of failure.
Developing skills for life
Engaging in outdoor learning experiences helps children to develop life skills such as confidence, decision making, leadership other benefits include understanding and respecting the environment and the interdependence of humans, plants and animals as well as ecological systems. They can enjoy working with others to imagine, design and build their own hiding places and dens using a range of natural resources to hand creating their own special place.
Above is a lengthy video clip on how the local forest school helps in supporting children when learning outdoors.
Impact of learning outside the classroom
A key report by OFSTED published in 2008 evaluated the impact of learning outside the classroom in 27 schools and colleges. The key points from the evaluation were that ‘when planned and implemented well, learning outside the classroom contributed significantly to raising standards and improving pupils’ personal, social and emotional development’. The report also highlighted that ‘learning outside the classroom was most successful was an integral element of long term curriculum planning and closely linked to classroom activities’.
References
www.englishoutdoorcouncil.org
www,outdoor-learning.org/default.aspx?tabid=213
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-14793794
Callaway, G (2005). The Early Years Curriculum: A View from Outdoors: David Fulton Publishes
Bishop, J and Curtis, M (2001). Play Today in the Primary School Playground. Open University Press: Buckingham
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