Over the last few years, a tried-and-true teaching method emerged as a solution to a variety of modern problems. Outdoor learning stood out as an ideal solution to social distancing measures in 2020. However, once outdoor learning was in the spotlight, its capacity for bettering communities and improving student outcomes outshined traditional classrooms. In this article, we'll list important reasons to not overlook the power of outdoor learning. Then, we'll recommend school furniture and products to make a successful transition to outdoor classrooms.
Outdoor learning helps children and communities
The benefits of outdoor classrooms became clear when their implementation halted a tuberculosis outbreak at the turn of the 20th century. In recent years, further research has compiled an impressive list of great reasons to move learning to outdoor classrooms.
Children who learn outdoors are more successful in school
Outdoor learning improves school performance in a number of ways. Children exposed to an outdoor education achieve better test scores, have improved attendance records, and have an overall better attitude about school.
Learning outdoors reduces symptoms associated with ADHD
Research shows that spending ample time outdoors is an effective intervention for children with ADHD. And the time spent outdoors doesn't need to be active play. In fact, doing activities like classwork outdoors has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Outdoor learning makes kids healthier
Spending time outside has a host of health benefits. Spending learning time outdoors reduces stress, improves sleep, and increases vitamin D levels. Children who spend more time outside are less likely to be obese. And the beneficial bacteria found in soil helps build children's immune systems.
Outdoor classrooms reconnect children with nature
When kids spend most of their time surrounded by walls and digital screens, it's easy for them to be detached from nature. Outdoor learning re-establishes the important connection between children and the natural environment.
Being connected with nature helps us feel an emotional attachment to the natural world. This emotional attachment gives us a sense of awe, beauty, and connection with all living things. A natural outgrowth of being connected with nature is feeling a sense of stewardship for protecting the environment.
Cultivating outdoor learning spaces promotes sustainability
Children learn best outdoors when it's "alive." A living schoolyard refers to an outdoor space where trees, insects, and other living things are nurtured and allowed to thrive. A national movement to transform the areas around schools into outdoor learning spaces and living ecosystems is part of an initiative to make communities more sustainable and resilient to climate change.
Consider these products to create winning outdoor learning spaces
Clearly, the benefits of learning outdoors make outdoor classrooms an effective way for schools to improve student outcomes. But the practical steps of going from an indoor learning environment to an outdoor classroom can seem challenging. From seating to activities, your outdoor classroom furniture needs to be durable and flexible. Consider the following products to make a successful transition to an outdoor classroom.
Choose flexible seating options for outdoor learning
Seating is probably the first conundrum educators grapple with when making the move to an outdoor classroom. Sitting on the ground isn't healthy when the weather is cold or rainy. The following seating options are durable, flexible, and reflect an outdoor aesthetic.
1. Treated cedar stumps provide a clean and rustic seating option without the safety concerns of untreated tree stumps.
2. Lightweight and flexible, stackable outdoor stools create reliable seating anywhere your learning adventures take you.
Weather-resistant desks provide outdoor space for schoolwork
Your outdoor classroom isn't just for collecting insects or gardening. You'll also need desks where students can complete bookwork and projects. The following outdoor desks are weather-resistant and easy to move.
3. A classroom table with a smooth, writable surface is roomy enough for group work and looks like a picnic table to vibe with the outdoor setting.
4. An Open Air Series outdoor portable desk comes with hooks to keep backpacks off the ground and can easily be configured for a single student or a group.
Choose outdoor activity sets built for the outdoors
Your indoor classroom is likely filled with a wealth of enriching activities for students. However, musical instruments and book nooks don't transfer easily to the outdoors. Consider the following products to bring educational activities to your outdoor classroom.
5. An ADA raised garden bed will give children with disabilities an opportunity to experience one of the most popular outdoor activities.
6. A wealth of science lessons can be gleaned from a compost tumbler as children learn about everything from bacteria to fungi to plant nutrition.
7. Kids will put on their scientist hats when they observe birds with this bird feeder. Kids can learn how to observe and research like a biologist.
Move your supplies easily with a wheeled reading and writing center
Your indoor classroom is also a repository for much-needed supplies. From a whiteboard to basic supplies such as markers, crayons, and scissors, you'll need to carry items outside each day you teach outdoors. Consider the following product to keep supplies handy.
8. A premium reading and writing center keeps your supplies and whiteboard together on a wheeled cart, perfect for taking outdoors.
Tap into the power of outdoor learning with products from School Outfitters
Interest in outdoor classrooms surged in recent years. But the benefits of outdoor learning have been known for decades. And mounting evidence suggests that outdoor classrooms benefits students, communities, and the environment. You can tap into the power of outdoor learning when you shop for classroom products at School Outfitters. Get a free quote today!
