The Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Outdoor learning offers young people a variety of benefits and it is, without question, a significant element of their academic journey and personal development. Most notably, it shows children that learning can happen in a range of environments, not just in the form of a standard classroom lesson. In fact, there are opportunities to learn new things and develop our skills in almost everything we do, if only we choose to see it that way. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum actually enforces outdoor experiences on a day-to-day basis. A prep school in West London explores the benefits of outdoor learning below.

What are the benefits of outdoor learning?

The most obvious reason why parents and teachers want to encourage outdoor education is because it is fantastic for children’s’ physical and mental health. Exercise and fresh air produce endorphins in the body that boost our mood and reduce negative emotions, while also improving the general health and fitness of young people. Lots of children don’t have a safe, outdoor space at home, where they can run around and play freely, so it’s important that schools provide them with this opportunity.

Younger children (Early Years students) are usually better at retaining information when it is experienced through sensory and physical events. Many of these sensual experiences are exclusive to the outdoors, such as feeling the wind on your face or hearing the birds chirping. If you’re the parent of a young child, you’ll probably already know that little ones tend to really relish the experience of playing and exploring outdoors, whilst eagerly engaging with elements of the environment.

Getting out and about, either on school grounds or on a trip, is a way for teachers to reinforce what they have taught in the classroom, which often leads to better academic results. However, exploring the great outdoors with children doesn’t just have educational repercussions. Learning outdoors is also a fantastic way to promote curiosity and develop empathy for the environment. As a result, students are far more likely to grow up to be conscious global citizens.

Thanks for reading xxx