Outdoor Classroom Day: Fresh Air, Smarter Learning

On November 7, school kids will swap their screens for sunshine and notebooks for nature as they step outside and learn beyond walls.

Outdoor Classroom Day is the global movement encouraging schools to take students outside to tackle maths among the Melaleuca and spelling with the soundtrack of Spinebills. It’s about inspiring schools, teachers, and parents to integrate the great outdoors into daily learning.

Kids today spend less time outside than ever before. Increased screen time, academic pressures, and urban living break the vital connection between kids and nature. This movement seeks to show that the outdoors isn’t just for playtime, it’s also an effective learning environment.

Join over 12 million children from across the globe – think outside the classroom.

The open air advantage

Learning in nature is magic. Without the four walls, kids’ minds open up, literally and figuratively. Studying outdoors brings subjects like science, geography, and even maths to life. Think of a biology lesson under a tree, where you can observe insects, birds, and plants in their natural habitat.

Beyond hands-on science lessons, outdoor learning promotes creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking. From measuring the height of a tree using shadows to creative writing practice inspired by the sounds of nature, the possibilities are endless. Even the change in environment sparks curiosity and wonder, both key to a love of learning.

Perks of outdoor learning

There are a wealth of advantages to enrolling in Nature’s Classroom:

1. Improved physical health

Kids need to move, so time outdoors naturally increases physical activity, which is essential for overall health. Walking, exploring, and playing boosts cardiovascular health and strengthens muscles.

2. Boosts mental wellbeing

Nature has a calming effect, helping reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance focus. Studies show kids who regularly spend time outside are happier and more engaged, 88% of teachers say that children are more engaged in learning outdoors.

3. Encourages environmental awareness

Learning outside fosters a deeper connection to the natural environment. Kids who learn outside grow to appreciate nature and grow into caring, conscious environmental custodians.

4. Strengthens development

When kids can ditch the desk and step away from seating plans, they can embrace freedom and independence. Outdoor learning boosts confidence and motivation, and ramps up physical abilities, teamwork, and self-esteem, sparking a positive attitude toward learning.

5. Better social skills

Outdoor learning often involves group activities, so kids can build social skills like teamwork, communication, and empathy as they work and play together.

Nature calls

Give your school an outdoor classroom upgrade with furniture designed to make the transition easy and fun. Whether you need sturdy seating for an entire class or colourful joiners, choose from six settings packages that encourage learning, interaction, and discovery. From bolt-down park settings to Eco-Trend Sheltered Park Settings for shaded learning sessions on sunny days, there’s a solution for every school.

A natural boost

Join the Outdoor Classroom Day movement. With the correct setup, every day can be an outdoor learning adventure. Let’s collaborate and configure the best setting to suit your students and unlock naturally brilliant learning.