There are an endless number of learning opportunities outdoors. Outside, children can learn about areas of science and geography like the water cycle. Aside from the obvious, there are many more great benefits to teaching children in the outdoors. For one, it promotes better mental health which can contribute to their success at school. A private school in Dublin has shared more of these benefits with us below.
Hands-On Learning
Children have the opportunity to get stuck in and explore the real-life applications of what they are taught in class. This can help them to form deeper connections and remember their lessons more vividly. In particular, those that are kinaesthetic learners would thrive from this kind of learning as they learn by “doing”.
Improved Wellbeing
In the outdoors, children can run freely and exercise. This can help them to be more physically active and in turn be happier and healthier as chemicals known as endorphins (feel good chemicals) are released in exercise.
Improved Mental Health
Aside from the above reasons, outdoor learning can contribute to improved mental health as the greenery found outside can make us as humans feel happier. This can lead to lower stress levels and improved mood for studying.
A Connection with Nature
As children spend an increasing amount of time on their screens, they get further and further away from nature. This disconnect can stop them from developing the desire to protect and nurture it. Outdoor learning is the perfect remedy which explains just why it needs saving.
Improved Peer Relationships
As they work with one another to explore the outdoors, children can build relationships with those around them and get to know them better. This can teach them the valuable lesson of teamwork and social skills.
Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills are skills related to the larger muscles of the body and the strength needed to coordinate movements from them. Unlike in the classroom, children can exercise and push themselves physically which can help them with this.
