Outdoor Learning

In a study of 11-year-olds living in a British city, researchers monitored how children spent their time each day after school. Most children spent less than 30 minutes outside during after school hours (Cooper et al 2010). Since 2010 the development of technology has risen exponentially providing children with even more options to remain indoors.

Roald Dahl once said, “The more risks you allow children to take, the better they learn to take care of themselves.”

We could all remain within our comfort zones, happily doing all the things that are easy and undemanding and which cause no frustration or anxiety. It may well be that we would be happy living our lives this way, not knowing anything better.

Conversely we can challenge ourselves, take risks, seek to discover more than we know and enjoy those “brave new worlds” of which Shakespeare’s Prospero spoke. This can be as simple as removing our shoes and standing (or, even better, jumping) in puddles. It could be climbing a tree, learning to paddle a canoe, building a raft or putting up a tent.

The benefits of high-quality outdoor learning experiences quickly become apparent when the children are given the opportunity to take part in risk-assessed, but not risk-free activities. At Libra we think of the benefits to the children first and the risks of the activity second.

Outdoor-learning experiences offer a great deal in terms of these benefits. By committing to learning both inside and outside the classroom, we are able to teach children that learning occurs everywhere, at all times. We are also able to more successfully engage with children whose previous experiences of school have left them unwilling to take risks with their learning. They understand better what learning means, often assuming it is something that only occurs when a book is open and a pen is in hand.

develops reflective and inquisitive thinking along with problem-solving approaches in ‘real’ situations
encourages holistic development of children
develops resilience and adaptability in occasionally adverse circumstances
allows children to become more able to identify hazards and risks
develops a love, appreciation and respect for nature and all that is living
develops an understanding of how we can look after our environment
develops self-awareness, confidence and self-esteem
develops collaborative-working and communication skills
provides positive health benefits – both physically and mentally – and assist gross and fine-motor development
develops a lifelong love of the outdoor

As we become ever more sedentary as a society, it is important that we seek to build learning opportunities that take children out of the classroom. This may be in maths lessons, in which challenges are chalked onto the playground surface or in measuring tasks around the school. Or it may even be in hunting for mini-beasts or a traffic survey. When undertaking these tasks, we are emphasising to the children what can be gained by taking our learning outdoors.

Similarly, within society there is a train of thought that suggests children are becoming ever more risk-averse and wrapped in cotton wool making them unprepared for adulthood. It is very easy to take the view that something is too difficult, that the problems outweigh the benefits. In short, to give up too easily.

At Libra we have a curriculum with a strong focus on outdoor learning that weaves through our schemes of work across all subjects and which is supported by outdoor adventure activities and forest school which is challenging so we teach our children to be resilient, determined and to see things through. The expectation is that these learned skills and attitudes will be transferred into the classroom.

We want our children to see the world around them, to look up and appreciate a blue sky or a dark cloud. We live in a beautiful part of the world but so many people do not see what is around them. We want our children to understand that learning occurs everywhere, inside and outside. The important thing is to seize opportunities, be positive and seek out new challenges. We never stop learning.

Edgemoor Court, South Radworthy, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3LN

admin@libraschool.co.uk

01598 740044