The Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Learning takes many different forms, often influenced by media, environment, and the guidance of supportive, skilled adults. Additionally, as children grow older, learning objectives become more complex, yet remain rooted in curiosity and interest. Moreover, adults serve as both role models and challengers, encouraging children to practise, question, and solve problems independently. Ultimately, effective teaching adapts environments to children’s interests, ensuring specific learning targets are achieved while fostering resilience and growth.

Growth Outdoors: Nurturing Curiosity and Learning Through Nature

One aspect of outdoor learning involves adults using natural environments to encourage curiosity and support children’s skill development effectively. Additionally, this approach may arise spontaneously, such as when children observe flowers or insects while exploring nature with adults. Moreover, these child-led discoveries allow meaningful conversations about topics like pollination, colours, scents, seasons, and weather, enriching understanding. Furthermore, adults can also guide specific activities, encouraging children to collect flowers, fruits, or seeds for structured learning opportunities. Equally, these activities promote academic skills such as counting, colours, and measuring, alongside physical development like climbing or gardening. Ultimately, outdoor learning provides versatile opportunities to integrate curiosity-driven exploration with intentional teaching, supporting holistic child development across multiple domains.

Inquiry-Based Learning Through Outdoor Experiences

This creativity and freedom offered by outdoor environments significantly enhance children’s learning experiences through curiosity-driven exploration and discovery. Additionally, curiosity naturally motivates children to ask questions, explore possibilities, and engage deeply with knowledge rather than follow rigid instructions. Moreover, inquiry-based approaches empower children to take ownership of their learning, fostering independence and confidence in problem-solving. Furthermore, such methods shift children into the role of scientific enquirers, actively constructing understanding and applying critical thinking. Ultimately, teachers play a vital role in supporting inquiry-based learning by guiding exploration and encouraging curiosity-driven educational experiences.

Growth Outdoors: What Other Benefits Arise from Outdoor Learning?

Inquiry-based learning significantly supports children’s personal and emotional growth by encouraging exploration, questioning, and independent problem-solving experiences. Additionally, children who engage in testing ideas and asking questions develop stronger self-efficacy, pride, and confidence in their abilities. Moreover, outdoor learning environments provide opportunities for children to express curiosity, fostering resilience, motivation, and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, research by Wistoft (2013) demonstrates improved academic performance and personal development among students in outdoor learning contexts. Equally, such students exhibit greater environmental awareness, enhanced motivation, and stronger connections with peers and educators overall. Basically, outdoor learning nurtures ownership, self-esteem, and meaningful class relationships, empowering children academically, socially, and personally for long-term success.

Health and Lifestyle Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Moreover, outdoor learning positively influences children’s health by reducing stress, encouraging physical activity, and supporting long-term wellbeing outcomes. Additionally, being in nature decreases sedentary behaviour, regulates blood sugar, and prevents obesity or heart-related issues developing later in adulthood. Furthermore, research highlights physical exercise significantly improves mental health, reducing anxiety, depression, and enhancing emotional resilience in children.

Sustainability and Responsibility Through Outdoor Learning

Another benefit of outdoor learning is teaching children food growing, encouraging sustainability, and healthier lifestyle choices in schools. Additionally, these experiences promote social responsibility, helping children appreciate the impact of their actions on community wellbeing. Moreover, gardening activities foster teamwork and cooperation, as children learn to share tasks and responsibilities with peers. Furthermore, active participation in community projects strengthens negotiation skills, encouraging respect and understanding of differing perspectives. Long story short, outdoor learning empowers children to live democratically, embracing responsibility while contributing positively to their wider communities.

Final Thoughts

To wrap things up, outdoor learning environments provide children with valuable opportunities to develop resilience, creativity, and cooperation essential for future success. Additionally, engaging with nature allows children to acquire practical skills, enhance social awareness, and strengthen emotional intelligence in meaningful ways. Ultimately, incorporating outdoor learning nurtures growth, supports wellbeing, and equips children with tools for thriving within society effectively.

Growth Outdoors: Written by Abigail Church

If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.

Abigail Church is a Humanistic Integrative Counsellor who works with adults and children through counselling with Willingness. She can be contacted on abigail@willingness.com.mt or call us on 79291817. 

References

1. Karen Wistoft (2013) The desire to learn as a kind of love: gardening, cooking, and passion in outdoor education, Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 13:2, 125-141, DOI: 10.1080/14729679.2012.738011
2. Jana Raadik Cottrell & Stuart P. Cottrell (2020) Outdoor skills education: what are the benefits for health, learning and lifestyle?, World Leisure Journal, 62:3, 219-241, DOI: 10.1080/16078055.2020.1798051
3. Per E. Gustafsson, Anders Szczepanski, Nina Nelson & Per A. Gustafsson (2012) Effects of an outdoor education intervention on the mental health of schoolchildren, Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 12:1, 63-79, DOI: 10.1080/14729679.2010.532994