Outdoor Learning

Outdoor learning allows children to get out of the structured classroom setting and gain a realistic view of what they are learning. The foundation phase curriculum aims to provide outdoor environments that will be fun, exciting, stimulating and safe for the children as well as promote each child’s development and natural curiosity to explore and learn through first hand experiences (Government, 2008).

This video clip shows a class taking part in outdoor learning and explains what being outside is about for the children.

 Early Years: Children Play Outside.

Whilst the majority of educationalists agree with the benefits of outdoor learning experiences, there are others who understand there are difficulties in achieving this for some schools as they don’t think that there are equal opportunities for all children. This is because some schools aren't able to provide the provisions needed to form a suitable and stimulating outdoor environment. This leads people to believe that those children that attend these schools are at a disadvantage to other children who have access to an outdoor learning environment more easily.

Whilst helping in a local primary school I was able to see the outdoor learning environment that they have provided for their pupils and the benefits it has for them. They had an imaginative play area which included a Wendy house where the pupils could play house or shop. It allowed them to be creative and use and develop their imagination. Having an imaginative play area promotes role play, working together, opportunities to negotiate, share and discuss. An advantage of having an imaginative area outside is that there is a lot more space so play and movement can be on a much larger scale. There was also an environmental area where the children planted and grew plants with their teachers. They were encouraged by the teacher to work together to fill their watering cans and water the plants, these activities required the children to communicate with one another and so helped develop communication skills as well as cooperating, taking turns and sharing with others. Having this area gave the children a place to explore nature, to care for the living things, to look closely to observe changes, to notice colour, shape, size and quantity in a natural habitat.

Children taking part in an outdoor activity.

Outdoor learning may spark an interest in children that aren't very confident in the classroom or may find it difficult to learn in a classroom setting and help build their confidence and self esteem which will make them more eager to get involved and participate in the activities with the other children. Estyn inspector Bev Jenkins backs up this idea by saying: “There are examples of children who are quiet and reserved indoors who come into their own outdoors. They feel freer, less constrained.” (FE, 2011).