There’s nothing more refreshing than time spent outdoors. There are mental, physical, and developmental health benefits to come from it which is why many schools have committed to delivering more lessons outdoors. Children also enjoy it, giving them a sense of satisfaction and reason to want to go to school. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of outdoor education for children, take a look at this list that was shared with us by an independent boys’ school in London.
Confidence
Children can make their own discoveries and encounter their own problems. As they take charge of this, they will form self-belief and confidence. A key trait that needed to be successful in any part of life.
Physical Benefits
Children are more likely to be fitter and healthier as a result of outdoor learning as they have the ability and permission to run, jump and physically push themselves. In a classroom on the other hand, children are completely sedentary. As childhood obesity is a growing issue, schools should try to make more time for outdoor learning.
Psychological Impact
Children feel free outdoors. They can run around freely, soak up sun and benefit from an endorphin rush which lifts their mood. Comparatively, children are stuck in a room for hours at a time when in traditional lessons. It can be draining and easy for children to feel agitated. Research has also shown that the colours outdoors also have a calming effect as the colour green supposedly reduces anxiety.
Childhood Development
Children will develop skills such as their fine and gross motor skills during their early years and any practice thereafter can help them in strengthening them. As children can physically push themselves and exercise their muscles outdoors, they grow those that are related to larger muscles of the body.
What are your thoughts on outdoor learning?
*Collaborative post