Take your F-6 classes outside to enjoy the benefits of outdoor learning for students (and teachers!)
In school and in life, there are lessons to be learned all around us - not just within the four walls of a classroom. As we move into spring and (hopefully) out of isolation soon, now is a great time to consider how to encourage your students away from their screens and outdoors.
Taking classes in an outdoor setting has been proven to provide many benefits to children by giving them a sense of freedom of movement and thought and encouraging the development of important skills such as problem solving and negotiating risk - all fundamental elements of optimal child development.
Outdoor learning can also play a significant role in curriculum delivery. The Australian Curriculum states “outdoor learning engages students in practical and active learning experiences in natural environments and settings, and this typically takes place beyond the school classroom.
In these environments, students develop the skills and understandings to move safely and competently while valuing a positive relationship with natural environments and promoting the sustainable use of these environments.”
Benefits for students
In recent years, outdoor learning has been the focus of much research which confirms when given the opportunity to take part in risk-assessed (but not risk-free) activities as part of a quality outdoor learning program, children experience a great number of benefits which can positively impact the way they learn.
Some of these benefits to children include:
- Decreased stress levels and better mental health
- Improved behaviour overall including better communication skills
- Increased motivation resulting in better grades, and;
- Stronger connections to the natural environment
In addition to the benefits listed above, delivering outdoor learning opportunities can also work to significantly improve the physical activity levels of Australian children.
A study undertaken by the Australian Government entitled ‘Growing up in Australia’ uncovered that “...one generation ago, 73% of children’s playtime was spent outdoors” compared to recent figures, “13% of children’s total playtime is spent outdoors”. Startlingly, in the early 2000s, it was reported that only 1 in 5 children have ever climbed a tree, an experience enjoyed by two thirds of their parents. (Bita, 2012).
According to the Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Young People, Australia only received a D- for ‘Overall Physical Activity Levels’ when compared to their international peers. When it comes to physical fitness, our children and young people are not moving enough.
Benefits for teachers
Taking classes outdoors also provides important benefits for educators. Teachers interviewed in this article from The Conversation said they enjoyed “..the different approach to lessons, and how it helped engage all types of learners.” They also state an increase in job satisfaction and felt taking the positive experience of conducting classes outside was ‘just what I came into teaching for...’. This is particularly important as teacher wellbeing is critical to ensuring a stable environment for students to learn.
Considerations for teachers when developing an outdoor learning program
As a teacher, there are some considerations to take into account when developing your outdoor learning program. Some of these include ensuring your program reflects the goals of your school and the local community, and making sure the program meets your school’s Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) or strategic goals. The rest is only limited by your imagination!
Teacher Toolkits resources
For teachers who are a little unsure about how to make the most of the outdoor environment in day to day classes, Outdoors Victoria has partnered with ACHPER Victoria, Environment Education Victoria (EEV), Geography Teachers Association Victoria (GTAV) and Parks Victoria (Parks Vic) to develop a comprehensive series of Teacher Toolkit resources to help you on your way.
The following toolkits were released between 2018 and 2019, and in 2020, a further six (6) Teacher Toolkits will be released following consultation with teachers and the broader community.
Click links below to access the following toolkits:
- Introduction to Outdoor Learning
- Outdoor Learning in the playground
- Outdoor Learning in a water-based environment
- Introducing Outdoor Learning into Arts
- Introducing Outdoor Learning into Science
- Introducing Outdoor Learning into Maths
- Introducing Outdoor Learning into Health and Physical Education
- Introducing Outdoor Learning in an urban environment, and;
- Introducing Outdoor Learning into Geography
If you are proud of a new program you have implemented, or would like to be involved in or contribute to any of the Teacher Toolkits, please get in touch with our PL Team.