Outdoor Learning

Outdoor learning is now seen as an essential part of learning and physical development to many people. This is because it caters for cognitive, physical, social, emotional and linguistic development, whilst helping children to make sense of the world.
     By learning outside, rather than in a classroom, it makes learning more engaging and relevant to young people by stimulating and improving motivation. This helps to improve a child’s attitude to learning. Children like to get outside as they feel they are free from adult control and instead they are in charge; encouraging independence and confidence (Bilton 2010). The outdoors is a natural learning environment and allows children to feel they have some freedom. It allows the children to experience and encounter boundaries, whilst being able to assess and manage any possible risks. Risk taking improves overall development, enhances learning, improves confidence, encourages self expression and gives children a ‘can do’ attitude.
     An outdoor environment can offer space for children to move freely, allowing their imagination to explore and create play situations. Outdoor learning gives children the opportunity to experience both failure and success, through their ideas and interests, whilst becoming confident in thinking for themselves (Bilton 2010).
       Many teachers often worry about taking a class of children outside due to the open space and the fear that it may be more difficult to get the children's attention; as opposed to being in a classroom where there is limited space and the children are all closely together. Some teachers find it easier to instruct the child whilst they are indoors, and feel that outside a lot of their authority is lost.
       A successful example of outdoor learning is the Forest Schools approach. This is an educational approach to outdoor play and learning in a woodland environment; encouraging children through positive outdoor experiences over an extended period of time. Forest School is a system of learning that allows the environment to do the teaching. The approach promotes sensory child-led outdoor play and is about direct experiential learning rather than theoretical learning.
       Forest School supports participants at their own pace and allows them to initiate the learning as they explore a safe and stimulating learning process (Forest School Wales 2013). The Forest School programme allows all children within the school to get involved, learning in a practical context through exploring, experiencing and developing their natural curiosity (Knight S 2011). One of the main things about this approach to education is self-exploration, allowing the child to initiate the learning. It also means that all the National Curriculum subjects can be taught, but in an alternative and stimulating environment rather than the classroom. The following video explains more about the importance of Forest Schools, and how it benefits children:
    

   I agree that outdoor learning is an important part of education. I have found that when I have been working with a group of children outdoors they are more enthusiastic and are willing to contribute more to the lesson. Children that I have worked with have shown more confidence outdoors, and have all shown interest in their environment. However, I don't believe that there are enough opportunities given for children to be outside and experience this type of approach to education. Being outside allows a child’s imagination to grow. They show their creative side through role play, imagination, and storytelling; whilst exploring the area around them. 




References 

Bilton, H. (2010) Outdoor Learning in the Early Years. Oxon: Routledge.

Forest School Wales. (2013) Benefits of Forest Schools. http://www.forestschoolwales.org.uk/ysgol-goedwigforest-school/benefits-of-forest-school. Accessed: 4^th December 2014. 

Knight, S. (2011) Forest School for All. London: Sage.