Not every child jumps at the chance to play, run or even just face the elements and go outdoors. According to the Mental Health Foundation, approximately 47% of children are believed to be physically active, while 30.2% have less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day.
In schools, encouraging students to be active and engaged in physical activity and outdoor learning is easier said than done. Some children are less likely to have positive attitudes towards sports and activities, with some feeling uncomfortable and others wanting to avoid embarrassment or the unpredictable weather.
The Youth Sport Trust found that 71% of young people want to be more active at school and 93% believe PE is important. However, playing a game of football, running around a playground and doing PE aren’t the only ways to keep children fit and healthy in school.
Outdoor learning and outdoor play can be a great way to encourage students to be active and open their minds to new ways of thinking.
Throughout this blog from education recruitment agency Spencer Clarke Group, you’ll discover how schools can use outdoor learning to keep students active.
What is outdoor learning?
Outdoor learning is an active approach to teaching and learning which involves leaving the classroom and taking the lessons outside. Outdoor learning isn’t limited to PE or nature studies, it can complement any lesson or area of the curriculum from maths and history to drama and art. This approach facilitates learning, promotes hands-on experiences and deepens engagement while offering an experiential approach to learning in a real world setting.
School-based outdoor learning can be valuable to a wide range of children as with regular access to nature and outdoor learning, school staff can be confident knowing that students can learn while they stay active.
What are the benefits of outdoor learning to keep students active?
The benefits of outdoor learning to keep students active:
- Positive mental and emotional impact.
- Improve motor skills.
- Build confidence.
- Develop a love of nature.
- Encourages teamwork and strengthens social skills.
One of the biggest benefits to outdoor learning is the impact it has on physical health and fitness. The big, open environment encourages students to take advantage of the space, move freely and fully engage with their surroundings.
Spending time outdoors daily helps keep children fit and healthy physically and provides opportunities to stretch their minds.
Learning outside of the classroom in natural environments can deliver a range of outcomes and benefits that support teaching and learning including boosting confidence and emotional development. An outdoor learning environment can encourage staff and students to see each other in a different light, encourage creative and divergent thinking as well as improve self-awareness.
It is not just keeping students physically active, but is also about keeping their minds active. Outdoor learning can positively impact children’s development and motor skills, social skills and socio-emotional skills. Learning in the classroom can enhance social skills, engagement and academic outcomes as well as have a positive mental and emotional impact.
According to Youth Sport Trust, 96% of Teachers agree that sport and play benefit mental wellbeing. Simply teaching outdoors and spending time outside can positively impact the wellbeing of both students and teachers, not just their physical health. Being in outdoor learning spaces surrounded by nature can greatly improve mood, enhance motivation and reduce stress, leading to better focus and productivity.
Ways to use outdoor learning to keep students active
Outdoor learning offers a wide range of opportunities to keep students active beyond traditional sports or outdoor lessons. There are other ways to use outdoor learning to keep students engaged and active, such as engaging in open-ended play and construction play to keep students active, curious and connected to the world around them.
From growing a vegetable garden and doing a scavenger hunt to races or obstacle courses.
Walks, nature trails and insect hunts can help students develop their geography and history skills as well as their fitness. Going on an insect hunt involves walking, light exercise and concentration all while keeping students’ minds and bodies active and constantly learning.
As they explore the outdoors, students can take photographs or create drawings of the things they see such as natural features, architecture or wildlife.
By combining movement with purposeful, enjoyable and meaningful learning, students are more likely to stay active without even realising it!
Low impact movement like walking, navigating or climbing can help build stamina, coordination and cardiovascular health. It can also encourage students to engage with their environment, be creative and foster a love of nature.
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Spencer Clarke Group is a specialist education recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Operating nationwide, they help schools to find experienced teaching and support staff on a daily, temporary, temp-perm or permanent basis.
After growing exponentially since they launched in 2017, Spencer Clarke Group was named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the 2024 Recruiter Awards.
