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How To Create An Outdoor Learning Environment

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Introduction

Creating an outdoor learning environment is an excellent way to engage pupils and make learning fun. Outdoor learning can be a great way to explore the natural world, get active, and build a sense of community. This blog post will explore the different ways that teachers can create an outdoor learning environment.

Hold Outdoor Classes

Holding outdoor classes can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both pupils and teachers. The benefits of taking classes outside are numerous, such as increased pupil engagement, improved air quality, lowered levels of stress and anxiety, enhanced concentration, and improved creativity. Additionally, outdoor classes provide a unique opportunity for pupils to learn about the environment and engage with nature in a hands-on way. Not only does this help to foster an appreciation for the natural world, but it also helps to cultivate a deeper understanding of the environment and its importance. Furthermore, outdoor classes provide a greater sense of connection between pupils and their learning environment, allowing them to feel more comfortable and engaged with their studies.

Creating an outdoor learning environment can be easy. Start by finding an appropriate space, making sure the area is clean, safe, and equipped with necessary materials for the classes. Additionally, consider implementing some outdoor seating, such as benches or picnic tables. Finally, be sure to provide pupils with the appropriate outdoor gear to ensure their comfort and safety. With these steps in place, you can create a successful outdoor learning environment for your pupils.

Playground Equipment for Outdoor Classrooms

Playground equipment can be used to create an outdoor classroom that is engaging and educational for pupils. Playground equipment such as slides, swings, and climbing structures can help to promote physical activity and provide pupils with an opportunity to explore their environment in a fun and safe way. Additionally, playground equipment can be used to encourage collaboration, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. What’s more, the playground equipment can be used to teach pupils about the importance of respecting the environment and the need to use appropriate safety measures when playing outdoors. By incorporating playground equipment into an outdoor classroom, teachers can create an engaging and educational learning environment that is both fun and safe for pupils.

Our outdoor classrooms come in a variety of sizes and configurations, including half shelters, full shelters, and classrooms with and without floors. At Creative Play, we are committed to helping you find the best option for your educational environment, so please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

Incorporate Outdoor Games into Lesson Plans

Incorporating outdoor games into lesson plans can be a great way to create an outdoor learning environment that is both engaging and educational for pupils. Outdoor games can help engage pupils, increase physical activity, and promote collaboration. Additionally, these activities can also teach pupils about the importance of working together as a team, using problem-solving skills, and respecting the environment. To make the most of these activities, it is important to prepare in advance and consider the natural setting in which the games will be played. Through careful preparation, outdoor games can be used to promote collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while also teaching pupils about the importance of respecting the environment. In this way, incorporating outdoor games into lesson plans can be an effective way to create an engaging and educational outdoor learning environment for pupils.

Design Outdoor Learning Spaces with Seating, Tables, and Other Amenities

Creating an outdoor learning space with seating, tables, and other amenities can be an excellent way to create an engaging and comfortable environment for pupils. The seating should be comfortable and sturdy, allowing pupils to easily sit and stand as needed. It is important to ensure that the chairs are designed to be ergonomic and provide proper support for pupils. Additionally, consider providing pupils with tables, either built into the ground or separate from it, to provide a flat surface for pupils to work on. Furthermore, make sure there is adequate space between the chairs and tables to allow for an appropriate amount of movement. It is also important to ensure that the space is equipped with the necessary materials for the classes, such as paper, markers, and other supplies. Additionally, it is beneficial to consider providing pupils with access to amenities such as restrooms, water fountains, and even shade structures to protect them from the elements. By taking these steps, teachers can create an outdoor learning space that is both comfortable and engaging for pupils, allowing them to explore the outdoors and learn in a dynamic environment.

Encourage Outdoor Exploration and Discovery

Encouraging outdoor exploration and discovery is an excellent way to engage pupils and help them learn in a hands-on way. By providing pupils with the necessary equipment, such as binoculars, magnifying glasses, and field guides, teachers can create an environment that encourages pupils to explore the outdoors and observe the natural world. Binoculars can be used to observe birds and other wildlife, while magnifying glasses can help pupils to identify and study plants and insects up close. Additionally, field guides can help pupils to identify and learn about the different species of plants, animals, and other organisms in the environment. By providing pupils with these pieces of equipment, teachers can create an environment that encourages outdoor exploration and discovery, helping pupils to develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and their place in it. Furthermore, by encouraging pupils to explore the outdoors, teachers can create a sense of connection between pupils and their environment, allowing them to feel more comfortable and engaged with their studies.

Conclusion

Promoting physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and schools can leverage their outdoor spaces to encourage physical play and physical education (PE) classes. Given the high prevalence of childhood obesity in the UK, it is important to actively promote physical activity to motivate pupils to be more active.

At Creative Play, we offer a selection of outdoor learning spaces that cater to the needs of both teachers and pupils. Our outdoor classrooms, shelters, and seating are customised, supplied, and installed to create unique and captivating learning environments for pupils. With a range of options, teachers can design an outdoor learning environment that is both informative and exciting, from half shelters to full shelters and classrooms with and without floors. Our goal is to help teachers discover the ideal option for their educational environment.