As the days grow longer and the temperatures begin to rise, the summer term offers a brilliant opportunity for schools to embrace the outdoors as a vibrant and engaging learning environment. At Teach Active, we are passionate about active learning, and we believe that outdoor education is one of the most powerful tools in a primary school's toolkit.
In this blog, we explore how outdoor learning can improve both attitudes and attainment in core subjects like Maths and English, and how schools can harness this approach to make the most of the summer term.
What is Outdoor Learning?
Outdoor learning is more than just taking lessons outside. It encompasses a wide range of educational activities that occur in the natural environment or any space outside the traditional classroom. Outdoor learning provides meaningful, real-world contexts that enrich the curriculum and bring learning to life.
The Impact of Outdoor Learning on Attitudes to Learning
Research consistently shows that outdoor learning has a significant positive impact on pupils’ attitudes towards school and learning. Here’s how:
1. Increased Engagement and Motivation
Children are naturally curious about the world around them. Outdoor learning taps into this innate curiosity, making lessons more engaging and enjoyable. This can be particularly beneficial in subjects where some children may struggle with confidence or interest, such as Maths and English. When learning is active and connected to real-life experiences, pupils are more likely to stay motivated and involved.
2. Improved Behaviour and Focus
Spending time outdoors has been linked to lower stress levels and improved mental health. For primary-aged children, this often translates into better behaviour and greater focus during lessons. A child who might struggle to sit still during a classroom-based lesson may thrive when given the chance to move and explore in an outdoor setting.
3. Enhanced Social Skills and Teamwork
Outdoor activities often involve collaboration, whether it’s solving a problem, building something, or completing a group challenge. These experiences help children develop important social and communication skills, fostering a sense of community and cooperation among peers.
The Academic Benefits of Outdoor Learning
While the social and emotional benefits of outdoor learning are well documented, its academic value should not be underestimated. Outdoor learning can play a pivotal role in improving attainment in core subjects, particularly Maths and English.
Outdoor Learning in Maths
1. Making Maths Meaningful
Outdoor environments provide endless opportunities for applying mathematical concepts in real-world contexts. For example, measuring the perimeter of a playground, estimating the height of a tree, or using natural objects to create patterns all help solidify abstract concepts by giving them tangible relevance.
2. Developing Problem-Solving Skills
Many outdoor Maths activities require pupils to think critically and solve problems collaboratively. Scavenger hunts, trail challenges, or outdoor logic puzzles encourage children to apply their knowledge creatively and practically.
3. Boosting Confidence
Outdoor learning often feels less formal and less pressured than traditional classroom settings. This can be especially helpful for children who lack confidence in Maths, as it creates a more relaxed environment in which they can take risks and learn from mistakes without fear of failure.
Outdoor Learning in English
1. Inspiring Creative Writing
There’s no better muse than the natural world. Taking pupils outside to observe their surroundings, listen to the sounds of nature, or feel different textures can inspire rich descriptive writing and storytelling. Outdoor settings provide a wealth of stimuli that can spark imagination and creativity in ways that an indoor classroom cannot.
2. Enhancing Speaking and Listening Skills
Many outdoor English activities involve discussion, storytelling, and performance. Whether it’s retelling a story through drama, sharing observations in a nature journal, or presenting a poem to peers, these experiences build confidence in speaking and listening, which are crucial components of literacy development.
3. Reinforcing Literacy Skills Through Play
Outdoor games and challenges can be tailored to reinforce phonics, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar. Active learning approaches, such as word scavenger hunts or grammar relays, make literacy practice dynamic and fun.
Making the Most of the Summer Term
The summer term is a perfect time to embrace outdoor learning. The warmer weather and longer days mean that pupils can spend more time outside, and the end-of-year period often allows for more flexibility and creativity in lesson planning. Here are some tips for integrating outdoor learning into your curriculum:
1. Start Small
You don’t need to overhaul your entire timetable. Begin by taking one lesson a week outside and build from there. Even a 20-minute outdoor starter activity can have a big impact.
2. Use Your School Grounds
You don’t need access to a forest or nature reserve to benefit from outdoor learning. Playgrounds, gardens, and even paved areas can become dynamic learning spaces with a bit of creativity.
3. Link Activities to Curriculum Objectives
Outdoor learning works best when it complements your existing curriculum. Look for ways to align outdoor activities with your learning goals in Maths and English. Teach Active’s resources are designed to help teachers do just that.
Download Your Free Summer Active Learning Pack!
To help you get started, we’ve created a special Summer Active Learning Pack filled with fun, curriculum-aligned outdoor activities for Maths. Designed for Key Stages 1 and 2, the pack includes ready-to-use lesson plans, printable resources, and creative ideas to make the most of the summer term.
Whether you’re an outdoor learning enthusiast or just looking to try something new, our pack will provide you with everything you need to take learning outside and boost both engagement and attainment.
Don’t miss out – download your free Summer Active Learning Pack today and make this term your most active and inspiring yet!