There are many different educational approaches which can be provided to children during the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). However, a growing number of teachers are beginning to appreciate the unique benefits of outdoor learning. Let us look at ten interesting advantages in order to understand why this technique has become popular.
Improved Physical Health
An overwhelming amount of research suggests that outdoor learning sessions can have a positive impact upon the physical health of children from a long-term perspective.
Fostering Environmentally Aware Environments
Outdoor curricula are likewise effective techniques to teach children about their relationship with the environment and why protecting nature is important.
Connecting Learning to the Real World
Many traditional classroom lessons (such as learning about the structure of a tree) can be reinforced if children are provided a hands-on sense of interaction. This is not often possible when limited to indoor settings.
Higher Levels of Engagement
Most children will be more interested in the lessons if they are provided with a highly interactive environment. Outdoor classes can be used to keep their interest over time.
A Great Way to Inspire Creativity
An outdoor curriculum can be used by teachers to encourage innovative approaches when solving specific problems. As a result, children tend to embrace their innate creative skills at an earlier age. These very same skills can then be used as they grow both mentally and intellectually.
Tackling Behavioural Issues
Teachers can often identify any potential behavioural issues exhibited by children within open-air settings. Assuming that a problem is detected, it is easier to separate the child in order to better understand what he or she is experiencing at the moment.
Great Ways to Promote Teamwork
It is important to children learn about the importance of working within group settings. Outdoor learning sessions will provide them with the ability to interact with their peers when tackling specific projects or challenges.
Decrease Levels of Perceived Stress
There are many unique technological innovations which are transforming the educational community (the EYFS tracking here is a perfect example). These very same systems can be used within outdoor settings in order to help children proactively deal with any physical or emotional stress that they may be experiencing. Studies have found that an outdoor curriculum is an effective way to tackle such feelings.
The Release of Pent-Up Energy
Of course, outdoor learning is one of the best ways to allow children to release any pent-up energy that might otherwise manifest itself differently within classroom settings.
Less Restrictive When Compared to Classroom Settings
Finally, an outdoor curriculum will provide educators with a great deal of latitude in regards to what lessons they teach as well as how they interact with students.
We can now begin to see why it is a great idea to incorporate an outdoor curriculum into your normal teaching regimen. There is no doubt that your students will benefit as a direct result.
