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Outdoor classrooms, also known as outdoor learning spaces, are areas outside of traditional classroom settings where students can engage in educational activities. These spaces can vary from a small designated area in a school garden to a fully equipped outdoor classroom.
According to the Natural Learning Initiative, outdoor classrooms are designed to provide hands-on, nature-based learning experiences for students. Outdoor classrooms are important for several reasons. They offer a unique learning experience that can enhance traditional classroom education. Some of the benefits of outdoor classrooms include:
When incorporated into gardens, outdoor classrooms have additional benefits. These include:
Outdoor classrooms are designated areas in gardens or natural settings for educational instruction. They offer students a hands-on learning experience, fostering a deeper understanding of nature and the environment. These spaces often feature benches, whiteboards, and teaching materials, providing an immersive learning environment. Outdoor classrooms promote engagement, physical activity, and a connection to the natural world, enhancing overall academic performance and well-being.
As educators and parents recognise the importance of outdoor education, the use of outdoor classrooms in gardens is becoming increasingly popular. But why are outdoor classrooms important? In this section, we will discuss the various benefits that outdoor classrooms offer, including promoting active learning, enhancing creativity and imagination, encouraging physical activity, and fostering a deeper connection with nature. These factors contribute to creating a holistic learning environment that can greatly benefit students’ overall development.
Integrate hands-on activities to engage students physically and mentally. Encourage exploration and discovery through outdoor experiments and observations. Implement interactive games and group projects in the outdoor setting. Incorporate nature-based learning materials and tools to facilitate active participation.
Encourage open-ended activities such as art projects, storytelling, and role-playing to stimulate creativity and imagination. Integrate natural materials like branches, rocks, and plants into the outdoor classroom to inspire creative exploration. Provide space for unstructured play and exploration to ignite imagination and inventive thinking.
When creating outdoor classrooms, consider involving students in the design process to ensure the space reflects their interests and sparks imaginative experiences.
Introduce physical activity breaks during lessons to keep students engaged and energized. Organise outdoor games that require movement and teamwork, promoting a fun way to exercise. Create nature-based obstacle courses to encourage students to be active while exploring the surroundings.
Fostering connection with nature in outdoor classrooms is vital for children’s development. Utilising natural elements like trees, plants, and water features can create a serene environment that encourages exploration and appreciation of the natural world. Incorporating bird feeders, butterfly gardens, and organic composting further solidifies the bond with nature. Through these experiences, children learn to respect and care for the environment, fostering a lifelong connection with nature.
Outdoor classrooms in gardens are becoming increasingly popular in schools and educational settings. Not only do they offer a change of scenery, but they also provide a multitude of benefits for students. In this section, we will explore the various advantages of incorporating outdoor classrooms in gardens, including improved academic performance, social skill development, increased environmental awareness, and hands-on learning opportunities. Let’s discover how these unique learning spaces can transform education.
Integrate outdoor lessons in various subjects, such as science experiments in gardens or math activities using natural materials. Use garden spaces for observational studies, ecological projects, and environmental research to enhance understanding and application of academic concepts.
Implement project-based learning outdoors, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills. Leverage nature for inspiration, sparking creativity and engagement in arts and literature studies.
Encourage group projects and cooperative learning activities to nurture teamwork.
Organise interactive games and role-playing exercises to improve communication and interpersonal skills.
Facilitate group discussions and reflective sessions to promote empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives.
Engage in community service projects to instil a sense of responsibility and compassion towards others.
Integrate environmental topics into the curriculum across subjects.
Organise field trips to natural areas to observe and learn about local ecosystems.
Implement recycling and composting programs within the school grounds.
Engage students in conservation projects such as tree planting and wildlife habitat restoration.
Engage students in planting, nurturing, and harvesting fruits and vegetables.
Set up observation stations for studying local flora and fauna.
Create a composting area and involve students in the process.
Arrange field trips to nearby natural areas for hands-on ecological studies.
As the benefits of outdoor learning become increasingly recognised, schools are looking for ways to incorporate nature into their curriculum. One effective method is by creating outdoor classrooms in gardens. In this section, we will discuss practical ways for schools to bring the classroom outside and utilise existing outdoor spaces. We will also explore the importance of incorporating natural elements into the design, involving students in the process, and partnering with local organisations to create sustainable and engaging outdoor learning environments.
Assess available outdoor areas to identify underutilised spaces. Repurpose courtyards, lawns, or unused sections to create outdoor classrooms. Consider natural elements like trees or hedges to define the classroom boundaries. Plan seating arrangements and shelter options to accommodate varying weather conditions.
Pro-tip: Engage students in the process, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their outdoor learning environment.
Integrate natural elements like plants, trees, and rocks to create a stimulating environment. Ensure the outdoor classroom design incorporates natural sunlight and shade for comfort and practicality. Incorporate sustainable materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled plastic for construction. Foster biodiversity by including native plant species and creating habitats for local wildlife.
Consult with students to gather ideas and preferences for the outdoor classroom design. Organise brainstorming sessions or workshops to involve students in generating design concepts. Encourage students to create sketches, models, or digital designs to contribute to the planning process. Seek feedback from students on proposed design plans and make adjustments based on their input.
Identify local environmental groups or non-profits to collaborate on outdoor classroom projects
Seek partnerships with nurseries or garden centres for plant donations and expertise
Engage with local businesses for material donations or sponsorships
Involve community members, such as master gardeners or artists, for volunteer support and input
While traditional classrooms have their benefits, many educators are now turning to outdoor classrooms in gardens as a way to enhance the learning experience. Let’s take a closer look at some successful examples of this approach in action. We’ll explore the Edible Schoolyard Project, which integrates gardening and cooking into the curriculum, the Nature Explore Programme, which utilises natural elements for hands-on learning, the Green Schoolyards Movement, which aims to transform schoolyards into vibrant learning environments, and the Forest School Approach, which emphasises outdoor play and exploration.
Identify a suitable garden area within the school premises.
Engage with the school community to garner support and involvement.
Design the garden to incorporate both educational and practical elements.
Source funding or donations for the project.
The Edible Schoolyard Project transformed an unused space into a vibrant garden, cultivating not only fresh produce but also a sense of community and environmental stewardship among the students.
Start by researching the Nature Explore Programme’s guidelines for creating outdoor classrooms.
Assess the available outdoor space and identify areas suitable for development.
Involve educators, students, and community members in planning and executing the outdoor classroom design.
Source natural materials and plants for the outdoor space, prioritising sustainability and local resources.
Consider seeking guidance from schools that have successfully implemented the Nature Explore Programme for valuable insights and best practices.
Community Involvement: Engage local residents, businesses, and organizations to contribute resources, time, or expertise.
Sustainability Practices: Implement eco-friendly initiatives like rainwater harvesting and native plant cultivation.
Outdoor Classroom Design: Create multifunctional spaces accommodating various activities and subjects.
Educational Programming: Develop curriculum-linked activities focusing on nature, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
True story: The Green Schoolyards Movement transformed a neglected urban space into a vibrant outdoor classroom, uniting the community and nurturing a new generation of environmental stewards.
Emphasise outdoor, nature-based education
Encourage child-led learning and play
Provide regular, long-term access to outdoor environments
Focus on holistic development, including emotional and social skills
Implementing outdoor classrooms in gardens may seem like a costly endeavour, but it can actually be done on a budget. In this section, we will discuss one way to make this a reality: by using recycled materials. We will explore different types of materials that can be repurposed for outdoor learning spaces, as well as the benefits of using recycled materials for both the environment and the budget. Let’s dive into the creative and cost-effective world of using recycled materials for outdoor classrooms in gardens.
Collect materials: Gather recyclable items like old tyres, plastic bottles, and wooden pallets.
Plan design: Brainstorm how to repurpose these materials into functional and educational elements.
Engage students: Involve students in the transformation process to foster ownership and creativity.
Build structures: Construct seating, planters, and artistic displays using the recycled materials.
Educate on sustainability: Use this project to teach students about the importance of recycling and upcycling.
A school in a rural community implemented an outdoor classroom using recycled materials. Students transformed old tyres into colourful planters and created a seating area from repurposed wooden pallets. This not only provided a unique learning space but also encouraged environmental responsibility within the school.
Transforming a school’s outdoor space can have a significant impact on school culture and practices by providing children with new and exciting challenges, playful opportunities, and a chance to engage with the future before it is made. This process can also shift adult attitudes towards risk and encourage the greening of schoolyards, promoting environmental wellness trends.
A landscape architect can work collaboratively with school personnel and students to create a master plan for transforming a school’s outdoor space. They can bring in their expertise in creating open learning environments that align with modern pedagogic principles and individual requirements of the school.
A transformed outdoor space incorporating biophilic design may include elements such as gardens, a woodland play area, a wildflower maze, and a fire pit. These features can provide visual relief from closed walls and rows of desks and promote the greening of schoolyards, promoting environmental wellness trends.
A transformed outdoor space can support a school’s curriculum by providing a nature’s classroom where students can engage in outdoor school or forest school sessions. It can also offer opportunities for hands-on learning through activities like gardening in allotment areas, playing in sand pits, and using an outdoor whiteboard for teaching.
Meristem Design transformed a disused plant bed and seating area into an inspiring learning oasis at Sherwood Park Primary by incorporating biophilic design elements such as a timber pergola, sensory planting, and an orchard path. The design also includes a mud kitchen, sand pits, and a chicken run, providing playful opportunities for students.
The transformed outdoor space at Sherwood Park Primary has positively impacted teaching professionals and students by providing a suitable solution to incorporating outdoor sessions into the curriculum. The natural herb garden, grassy zones, and breakout space for outdoor learning have created a stimulating environment for students of all ages.
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