An outdoor classroom might seem like a revolutionary idea, but it’s really just common sense – let’s find out why. But first, what is an outdoor classroom?

What’s an outdoor classroom?

An outdoor classroom is a learning space that is outdoors, in a natural environment. It’s designed to provide a comfortable and safe place for students to learn, explore and connect with nature. Outdoor classrooms can have different features that a regular classroom can’t have like unique seating areas, differently shaped learning spaces (more auditorium style than classroom, for example), and space for equipment for activities like gardening or science experiments. They can be used to teach different subjects like maths, science, literature or art. The goal is to give students a unique and interactive learning experience, where they can be creative and curious, and learn to appreciate and respect nature.

Children spend so much time indoors and on screens – outdoor classroom are a great way to get them outdoors and back to nature.

But are there any actual tangible benefits of outdoor classrooms? Since school is about learning, is it just a fun idea, or does it translate into educational outcomes?

Benefits of outdoor classrooms

Encouraging physical activity and exercise

Outdoor classrooms encourage students to be more physically active by providing opportunities for movement and exercise, which naturall leads to improved physical health.

Enhancing Student Engagement and Learning

Outdoor learning environments can improve academic performance by increasing student engagement, motivation, and retention of information. Outdoor classrooms can provide a stimulating environment that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Promoting Environmental Awareness and Sustainability

Outdoor classrooms provide opportunities for students to learn about and appreciate the natural environment, which can foster a sense of stewardship and environmental responsibility. Being close to nature is a great thing for children.

Increased social skills

The enhanced student engagement and mental health that results from being in an outdoor classroom can translate to improved social skills, as children feel more positive and engaged. It provides them with opportunities to work together and collaborate, which can improve their social skills and teamwork abilities.

Improved mental health

Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which can improve students’ mental health and well-being.

Outdoor classroom design

Factors to consider when designing an outdoor classroom

• Location: Choosing a location that is safe, accessible, and provides a natural setting conducive to learning – not too far from the main building of the school, but still with natural elements like trees present.
• Size and layout: Determining the appropriate size and layout of the outdoor classroom to accommodate the number of students and activities to be conducted. What will you be using this classroom for, for how many students, and how often? What sort of classes will you want to teach there?
• Shelter and seating: Providing adequate shelter from the elements and comfortable seating options for students and teachers. While this will increase the cost, it will mean you’ll be able to use the classroom more days per year.
• Environmental considerations: Incorporating features that complement the natural environment, such as native plants, sustainable materials, and solar panels for lighting (which will cut down electricity costs long term).
• Technology: Considering the use of technology in the outdoor classroom, such as digital screens, Wi-Fi connectivity, and charging stations for electronic devices.
• Safety features: Incorporating safety features such as railings and non-slip surfaces.
• Storage and organisation: Providing secure storage solutions for equipment and materials used in the outdoor classroom.
• Accessibility: Ensuring the outdoor classroom is accessible to all students, including those with disabilities or mobility issues.
• Maintenance: Planning for regular maintenance and upkeep of the outdoor classroom, including cleaning, repairs, and replacement of equipment as necessary.

Strategies for overcoming challenges

Of course, there are challenge unique to outdoor playgrounds. What can be done to overcome the challenges?

Weather

Outdoor classrooms are vulnerable to weather changes, which can make it difficult to use them consistently throughout the year. Rain and high temperatures (or even snow in some areas) can all pose challenges for outdoor learning. This can be managed by having a backup location for lessons if the weather is not ideal, or postponing the activity for a few hours or days. An outdoor playground with a shelter may even mean the lesson can proceed as normal.

Equipment and Materials

Setting up and maintaining an outdoor classroom requires specialized equipment and materials that are weather-resistant and durable. This can be expensive and may require additional resources for upkeep.

Safety

Outdoor classrooms are not the sanitised environment that an indoor classroom is, with more uneven surfaces and natural elements. That being said, children are able to play in an outdoor playground safely as long as they are taught some common sense safety principles – and an outdoor classroom is far less of a challenging environment than a playground.

Curriculum integration

Incorporating outdoor classrooms into the curriculum requires careful planning and coordination between teachers and administrators to ensure that learning objectives are met. Not every subject is suitable for an outdoor classroom (such as a class that needs lots of paper that could be blown away).

However, while there are challenges associated with outdoor classrooms, they can be managed with proper planning and resources. The benefits of using outdoor classrooms make it worthwhile to work through these challenges to provide students with a unique and enriching learning experience.

Examples of successful outdoor classrooms

We recently installed this outdoor classroom and playground at Inglewood Primary School. The bluestone steppers in a crazy pave design contrast really well with the Tuart log seating. It’s great when practical features also provide a wow-factor.

Why every school needs an outdoor classroom

An outdoor classroom is a place where children can learn outside, surrounded by nature. It’s like a regular classroom, but it’s outside, and it provides lots of benefits for children and the environment. For example, it can help them do better in school by making learning more fun and engaging. It can also help them be more creative and active, which is good for their physical and mental health. And they get to learn about and appreciate the environment more, which is important for the planet. Plus, it can be a cheaper and more sustainable option for schools. So, having an outdoor classroom is a win-win situation for children and the environment!

Let Down2Earth build your outdoor classroom

Working with a professional playground designer like Down2Earth can ensure that you get the best outdoor learning experience for your budget.

No matter where you are in Australia, we can design and build your outdoor classroom or nature based playground. Whether it’s small or large, for a school, an early learning centre, or for a private or public facility, call me on 0427 011 538, email me at info@down2earthplaygrounds.com.au or fill in the form below to get in touch with me.

References

Harvard Medical School website, A 20-minute nature break relieves stress