Being outdoors is quite literally like a “breath of fresh air”. I am sure most of us can agree that there is nothing quite like being outdoors after been stuck inside for the day. Being outdoors is good for the heart, body and mind and is a vital aspect of a healthy and active lifestyle for children and adults. Outdoor learning benefits us all, it engages and connects. From the emotions we feel to the sensorial and physical experiences we have as we move through the space the outdoor provides.
Here at British College Brazil, the Early Years children at our Cidade Jardim campus visit the neighbouring park weekly, and its positive effects are clear and grow with every session. The children are engaging with nature, paying more attention to the sounds they hear and the patterns they see in leaves and flowers. They are asking more questions about seeds and how plants grow. All these learning moments are feeding their creative minds as they imagine that a stick is no longer a stick but is transformed into a paintbrush, a sword, a magic wand – the opportunities are infinite. Our teachers have also noticed the positive impact of these visits on their own personal wellbeing. Outdoor learning, though, can happen anywhere – from the school grounds to shared community areas, from a busy street to local and national parks and beaches, or from your own front door to the rest of the world.
Play and outdoor learning is fun. When we cast our minds back to our own childhood, many of us will have fond memories of climbing a tree, building a hut, exploring patterns in shells and stones, making magic potions, digging for treasure or planting and nurturing a seed to bring food to our own plates. All these experiences provide us with endless opportunities for learning: planning and designing, risk taking, maths, science, social responsibility, experimentation and the development of creativity. In my upcoming workshop, I would love to share with you the benefits of outdoor learning, where and how it can take place, and how we as adults can facilitate learning in the outdoors.
