The great outdoors doesn’t get its name for nothing. Being surrounded by the glory of Mother Nature is proven to have an incredibly positive effect on both physical and mental health. While this is true for all ages, the benefits of children spending sufficient time outside can’t be overstated.
Many educational facilities are now recognizing the benefits. This is particularly relevant during the early, formative years. Proven progressive approaches, such as Reggio Emilio, have implemented this into the educational landscape for decades.
6 Benefits of Outdoor Classrooms
The term, outdoor classroom’ often refers to a tailormade outdoor area within an educational facility. However, it can also mean a classroom session that takes place anywhere outside, such as an outing to a park or other natural environment.
Wherever the classroom may be, being out in the elements brings multiple benefits.
- They offer the scope for unstructured play: A wild (but safe) environment offers a landscape in which children can follow their instincts. Without the constraints of organised play or four walls – as well as no pre-established rules to follow – children are free to make up their own fun, design games and follow their instincts. Such scenarios promote problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity – all important skills that transfer into everyday life.
- They stimulate curiosity: Look at that ant… Watch the shapes of the clouds… Make a den… see those baby birds… The wonders of nature are all around, grabbing attention and leading to wonderful conversations, further exploration and creating the building blocks of future hobbies and driving further exploration and learning.
- Environmental awareness: We’re never too young to learn how to share our wonderful planet with the rest of nature. Outdoor classrooms promote this – spending time outside is a crucial way to help children develop a love and respect for the world around them.
- Helps increase immune function: A child’s immune system has to come into contact with germs and bacteria to become stronger. Being outside promotes this, with fresh air and natural exposure to germs an important progression that gradually allows this important internal mechanism to evolve to successfully fight future infections.
- Enhances sensory skills: Nature provides so many tactile opportunities. From the feel of wind in their hair to the grass under their feet, not to mention hearing birds chirping, the warmth of the sun, the crunch of autumn leaves… All this and more stimulates the senses, promoting movement and an increased awareness of the world around them. Even the act of reaching for that blade of grass or learning to make a daisy chain is valuable, honing fine motor skills and dexterity.
- Promote physical health: Spending as little as 30 minutes outside each day enhances sleep – and sleep is vital, especially during the formative years. Playing outside also encourages physical activity and reduces the chance of obesity. Outdoor games also help regulate stress hormones, blood sugar levels and give children the chance to ‘blow off steam’. You only need to look at the natural joy of children puffing and panting after a great game of tag or other physical exertion to see how true this is.
The value of outdoor classrooms is well-recognised. It’s also something that Evoke Early Learning Centres has integrated into our facilities. Our children are encouraged to explore these child-safe areas, each of which are purpose-built to promote exploration, group play, and a develop a great connection with nature.
Our Albert Park and Clayton Centres have wonderful outdoor areas that are in constant use. Our children love the freedom such a space offers. Why not come and see our facilities – we’d love to show you.
Book a tour today and see our leading childcare facilities for yourself.
Tracey is a highly qualified educator and administrator and brings a strong combination of academic achievement, extensive work experience in the education and business sectors as well as drive and passion to her role as General Manager of Operations at Evoke Early Learning.
Tracey has a Master of Education and an Advanced Diploma of Business and holds VIT Dual Registration to teach in Early Childhood and Primary School settings. She’s also a VIT Trained Mentor Teacher and has worked in ECEC settings as a Director, Educational Leader and as a Victorian Senior Area manager. Her recognition as a state finalist in the recent Director of the Year Awards is testament to her achievements in the early education sector.
Her extensive work experience also included a stint as Head of Curriculum at the Royal Children’s Hospital Education Institute and positions as head of ICT at a number of large primary and secondary schools. Tracey is also experienced in not-for-profit sessional kindergarten settings and long daycare environments, so she has a deep understanding of what’s required to support the needs and expectations of young children, educators, parents and caregivers.
Tracey is responsible for operational management at Evoke Early Learning’s Clayton centre in Oakleigh East and their Albert Park centre in South Melbourne and is deeply committed to leading and driving effective and sustainable service delivery throughout the company.
Tracey is passionate about making a meaningful difference to young children, their parents and the wider community and under her expert guidance, Evoke Early Learning is continuing to raise the bar in quality early education and childcare.
