We decorate our classrooms, make them cozy. Add lamps and rugs and cushions to make them less like the institution that a classroom traditionally is and more of a calm environment. Many of these efforts help our students and are well worth the effort but there is nothing quite like Outdoor Learning.

So Why is Outdoor Learning Important?

I try to choose at least two blocks during our day to do our learning outside and here are some of the observations that I’ve had while we are outside. Students immediately become calmer outside, once they get used to my routines and expectations. Rewards for early finishers take no planning time or prep work, the students are just allowed to play and as children, they want nothing more. The self imposed limits that struggling students tend to feel in places like sitting at a desk or criss cross at the carpet are eliminated. So is the anxiety that can be created while they are in those spaces.

So am I saying that kids don’t need Traditional Learning?

The short answer is no. I think we need to create a healthy balance between Structured Learning and Inquiry. There is great value in doing things that require focus, respectful active listening and turn taking and many of these skills can be taught in more organic ways. I see great value in Inquiry and Play Based Learning. It is our job to create well rounded, confident learners that have the ability to be Critical Thinkers. This is achieved through multiple opportunities to have choice, make mistakes, wonder and make real world connections. All the while learning beside their peers in positive Social situations.

What can we do Outside?

So as I began doing this a few years ago (Pandemic encouraged) I started with going outside to read a story and journal write under the trees beside the park behind our school. We bring yoga mats and we find a spot to sit and work. I set a timer on my phone and we work for the whole time. As a reward they get ten minutes of play time at the park before we head back to school. They listen to my story and then write in their journals. They then complete independent and shared reading with their friends all while under the sunshine and shaded trees. I don’t have to force the academics they are happy and this quickly becomes routine for them. I move my lawn chair around and do mini intervention work and conferences. It works very well (weather pending).

What about the Rain and Snow?

So rain is a bummer and we don’t get outside. On rainy days I incorporate the same level of independence and freedom in my classroom. The kids are good with it. In the snow we find more opportunities to go out for Science, Social Studies and Math. I am known for my neighbourhood walks. The children get to talk about Shapes they see, Patterns, Community Helpers, Community Features, the lists go on and on. So much to see and discuss without the worry of frozen hands trying to write a story. We are just chatting with our mittens on. Music, Art, Dance and Drama can all easily be incorporated outside with little supplies needed. It just takes a bit of creative thinking.

How do they Carry all their Things?

This one took me a while. I tried many unsuccessful ideas that left me outside at recess collecting the remnants of my classroom! Ha! This year I asked my principal to invest in some canvas grocery bags and they were a game changer. I don’t use desks (for many reasons) just shared tables. Each student has a small mailbox to keep their things and a bin for their pencil cases. They grab from their mailbox to fill their bag to go outside. They empty it in the same spot when we return. I highly recommend anyone wanting to make outdoor learning part of their every day to get some for their room.

Moral of my Story?

It’s okay to think outside the box, bring back some play and do some changes to our instruction that allows our teaching to be more student-led. It’s wonderful to take away some of the stress and pressure our students can feel without us even realizing because suddenly more of their day is considered play time. My first year doing this my principal came over to me laughing telling me the other students were upset because my kids were getting extra recess. She said you are doing this in such a lovely way they don’t even know they are in learning time. It was a great feeling and a shift in my instruction that I will value until retirement. Give it a try, you won’t be sorry.

With Love, C.