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Time spent in the great outdoors plays a key role in a happy childhood. Many wonderful memories are forged at the beach, in the woodlands or at the park. Of course, the excitement of a busy town or city shouldn’t be undervalued, but there’s something to be said about the fresh air and exercise experienced in rural environments. I have teamed up with an independent college in London to explore the benefits of outdoor learning for children…
One of the most obvious reasons for encouraging youngsters to get outside is the health benefits, both physical and mental. Exercise and fresh air is not only good for physical health, but it also promotes the release of ‘feel-good’ hormones that reduce stress and make us feel good. In fact, research has found that even a short, regular walk among the trees can help with depression. Many parents are starting to become concerned with the amount of time their children are spending indoors on their digital devices, so coming up with some fun, educational outdoor activities may be the answer.
Outdoor learning is also a great way to engage different types of learners. Not all children thrive in classroom environments, some prefer a more hands-on learning experience. Planting seeds and taking care of them as they grow teaches children about photosynthesis and the life cycle of plants. Building bug hotels or bird feeders can help children learn about wildlife, such as their natural habitats and what they eat.
Creative children can benefit from outdoor learning because they are able to look for the beauty all around them and perhaps draw, paint, or photograph the things they see. They might also want to write about their outdoor experiences in a diary, helping with their written communication skills.
There are lots of options when it comes to outdoor learning, such as gardening, survival skills, scavenger hunts, fossil hunts, and rock pooling, to name but a few. Even stargazing could be an option if your child is interested in astronomy.
