“Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives.”
thomas Berry
Children are returning to school across the world. What will this school year look like as the pandemic continues? Many of us are beginning with caution and with our well-known safety protocols in place. We fervently hope for an entire school year of in-school learning. I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure remote learning and hybrid learning aren’t necessary this time. I became a teacher to work with children. I don’t thrive when teaching them through a screen. Many students didn’t thrive either. They want to be at school with their friends and need the structure that school routines provide.
Outdoor learning in school settings offers students extraordinary learning opportunities that promote mental and physical wellness and increase academic achievement in an environment conducive to social distancing while supplying plenty of fresh air. Now, more than ever, we need to make a commitment to take students outside every day, not just for recess, but to learn as well.
If the only outcome that outdoor learning achieves is to inspire children to be stewards of the earth, we can sleep soundly at night knowing we have accomplished a worthy goal. But through outdoor learning, we can do so much more.
Curriculum-based Instruction
Students choose and examine leaves using a microscope outdoors.
Outdoor learning connects the theories, concepts and knowledge learned inside the classroom with real-life experiences outside the classroom. Many times lessons taught indoors are better suited to be taught outside. Biology, mapping skills, area and perimeter, chemistry, physics, art, cooperation, problem-solving and story-telling are just a few examples.
Environmental Studies
Fourth grade students search for evidence of decomposers in ground matter.
Environmental studies are a way for children to connect to place, first locally then globally. They learn about human impact on the earth, climate, plants and animals. They learn about the wonder and power of nature and their role in keeping the delicate balance of it all.
Horticulture
Fast growing vegetables like radishes are great for school gardens.
I love supporting children to grow their own fruits, vegetables and flowers. Gardening is science, math and magic all rolled into one! Children need to know where their food comes from. Some picky eaters will try new foods because they grew them.
Nature-Based Wellness Education
A sit spot is any comfortable place to sit in nature – a log, bench or on the ground.
I use this term to describe learning experiences that help students connect with nature on a deeper, personal level. It encompasses strategies that equip children with tools to reduce stress, recharge themselves and nourish their souls. Learning to be still at self-chosen sit spots, going on sensory walks, writing poetry inspired by nature and creating nature treasure maps are some of the rejuvenating activities students can practice.
Bushcraft Skills
Ember Bowls: Students learn to use fire to make needed resources.
To safely and more fully enjoy the outdoors, children benefit from competence in campfire-making, shelter building, navigation, knot tying, first aid, tool use and food gathering. I tell the students they will be learning knowledge and skills to survive the zombie apocalypse! They love that. Because these skills require persistence and expertise, they are challenging to master. Learning bush craft skills affords children great opportunities to become self-sufficient and build confidence.
Play-based Nature Preschools and Kindergartens
Through outdoor play children demonstrate their language, social and thinking skills.
A deep love of nature and outdoor learning starts with our youngest learners. Mud kitchens, tree swings, sandboxes, dipping ponds, planting boxes and open grassy spaces on which to run should be a part of every young child’s early learning experience. In addition, at least half of their time in school should be spent playing freely in those spaces.
These are just a few of the ways outdoor learning can enhance students’ school experience both during the Covid-19 pandemic and afterwards. My wish is that every student has access to outdoor learning lessons at school. The pandemic has made significant changes to teaching and learning. Providing students with outdoor learning could be the best change yet.Â
