Outdoor Learning
Outdoor learning ethos sees manageable risks as something for children to overcome, which expands their abilities and self-belief and teaches them to take care of themselves.
In addition to the known benefits physical activity and fresh air have to wellbeing, outdoor learning supports children to:
Build self-esteem and confidence: by providing equipment that gives children achievable challenges. Outdoor learning can promote the development of self-esteem and self-awareness by providing opportunities for children to challenge themselves and take risks.
Be inspired by the world around them: providing natural resources, wooden frames and structures, different textures, and sensory stimuli for example rocks, wood and tires. There is a rich sensory environment that can be explored.
Co-operate and communicate with their peers: working together to achieve a final goal building a den and completing an obstacle course, which will help support children’s communication skills.
Understand the importance of taking care of the environment: by providing vegetable patches, wildflower beds, and bug hotels children will have the opportunity to observe, question, and show an interest in nature and living things around them.
Build a positive attitude to learning and motivation: with equipment looking attractive, stimulating, and welcoming, it encourages children and staff to play, learn, and share positive experiences, valuing one another’s individuality and celebrating achievements.
Outdoor learning can promote self-regulation in the same way as self-awareness, by providing activities that challenge the child. It is only through experiencing situations that challenge their emotions will children learn to manage them. For this to be effective children must feel they are in a physically and emotionally safe environment.