With heatwaves in the UK arriving in quick succession with little breaks in between, classrooms can sometimes feel uncomfortably warm. High temperatures can leave students and teachers alike feeling tired, restless and less motivated to work.
Where grounds have shade and everyone has a water bottle, taking lessons outside can offer a refreshing solution.
Almost every lesson can be adapted in some form to outdoor learning. English might become a walking poetry reading; science can involve environmental observations and the study of plant cells; and, in theatre, well, anywhere is a stage. Most musical instruments can be carried outdoors, while maths might take to studying height, diameter and circumference using some of the trees or objects on school grounds.
A change of environment, combined with gentle movement, can re-engage students, provide relief from heated classrooms and spark imagination around topics. Outdoor lessons also give teachers the freedom to explore new and creative ways for familiar topics.
The benefits extend beyond the lesson itself. Outdoor learning can provide benefits for health and wellbeing, encourage collaboration and help students and teachers alike develop a stronger connection with the natural world. These positive experiences could also lead to improved student confidence, participation and academic performance.
Teachers can absolutely benefit too. They get to escape the warmth of the classroom and the challenge of keeping students sitting still and engaged. Finding imaginative ways to use outdoor spaces can bring renewed energy and enjoyment to teaching, increasing job satisfaction and creating learning experiences that are enjoyed by everyone involved.
At Marymount International School London, lessons often make their way onto the school grounds. Students might explore art by creating still-life studies of the natural environment or study poetry inspired by nature while surrounded by the school gardens with details that help bring those themes to life. Through science and service-learning activities, they also grow a variety of vegetables that make their way into the school kitchen to be enjoyed by all.
So, when the classroom begins to feel the heat, the answer really might be just beyond the door. With thoughtful planning, plenty of water and a shady place to learn, the outdoors can be a valuable classroom for all ages.
