Three Top Tips to Make the Outdoors Part of Everyday
‘Outdoor environments naturally inspire children to be more physically active. Consistent exposure to nature decreases stress and anxiety, helps elevate mood, and helps with emotion.’ (Teacher, India).
OUTDOORS EVERY DAY
As well as having fun, Outdoor Classroom Day is about showing the world why spending time outdoors is central to a happy childhood. The campaign days are a catalyst for more outdoor play and learning at school; our Muddy Hands report shows that 44% of teachers worldwide have increased outdoor learning and 22% have increased outdoor play since getting involved in the campaign.
TOP TIPS
Wherever you are in your outdoor journey, here are three top tips to help you make the outdoors part of every day.
1. SHARE THE EVIDENCE
Do you still need to prove that time outdoors throughout the school day is critical for children’s development, health and happiness? Use our Muddy Hands report to convince decision makers at your school and share with other teachers, so they can do the same.
2. PRIORITISE PLAYTIME
Take small steps towards creating more enriching playtimes. If weather is a barrier to getting outdoors, fundraise for gumboots and waterproof gear that can be kept at school. If your outdoor space is lacking, start to introduce loose parts you can get for free, such as cardboard boxes.
3. GET PARENTS INVOLVED!
Schools can be excellent advocates for more time outdoors at home. Set ‘outdoor homework’ that challenges families to get outdoors after school, on the weekends and in the holidays. Ask children to report back on what they discovered.
BACK TO YOU!
What are your top tips for making time outdoors part of the culture at your school? Share on social media using #OutdoorClassroomDay and #OutdoorClassroomDayAustralia !
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