Outdoor Classroom Ideas for Parents, Teachers, and Schools
With some school districts talking about remote education programs continuing into the new school year some parents, teachers, and schools might want to consider the values of an outdoor classroom and the benefits it can have for students.
I think we can all agree that this school semester has been anything but normal. Countless millions of American school students spent their spring semester at home, with parents becoming intermediary educators. Living rooms became classrooms, while backyards became school gyms. And we all had to transition into this new lifestyle out of the blue.
Some parents love this new norm ... others? Not so much. But we still have a few weeks or so before school is out, depending on where you live, for the summer. And those students not looking toward virtual graduation ceremonies may find themselves returning to online classrooms in the fall.
Some school districts are considering not putting their students back in traditional classrooms until sometime next year, in 2021. And some experts see value in indefinite remote learning, arguing they may never send kids back into brick and mortar physical locations down the road.
With the possibility that kids might be staying home from school longer than anticipated, some parents, teachers, and schools might find themselves looking into alternative locations for classes. And one increasingly attractive option is that of the outdoor classroom. An option families and schools alike can set up cost effectively, and one many students will enjoy.
Are There Benefits to Using Outdoor Learning Spaces?
Many of you reading this have, at some point in your lives, participated in an outdoor classroom. We’re not talking about gym class, either. Perhaps you took a photography class and went on a walk with a camera. Or maybe your English teacher took the class outside on a nice day to read poetry. I even once had a math teacher take the class outside, writing math questions out on the sidewalk with chalk and asking students to jump from one correct answer to the next.
Taking students outside is obviously fun for kids. But there are a number of other benefits to outdoor classrooms, too. A study conducted in 2018 by Frontiers in Psychology found that children are significantly more engaged studying outside versus studying inside. Meanwhile, the Outdoor Classroom Project lists numerous benefits for outdoor classrooms.
Students aren’t just more engaged when they’re outside, but also see improvements in physical development. They get more exercise when encouraged to learn with physical activity. Their self esteem is enhanced, and they’re generally capable of absorbing more information.
Put simply, children can learn more and have more fun in an outdoor classroom versus an indoor one. They’re outside in fresh air, which has obvious and numerous health benefits. They can enjoy the freedom of mobility and learn in motion. So the question isn’t whether or not there are benefits to learning in an outdoor classroom. The real question is why we use indoor classrooms at all when the weather facilitates learning outdoors.
An Outdoor Classroom Project Isn’t Much of a ‘Project’ at All!
Whether you’re a parent adjusting to homeschooling or a teacher looking for new ways to engage school students and invigorate young children with time outdoors, the benefits of an outdoor classroom are definitely enticing. But what’s involved in setting up an outdoor classroom project? Are there outdoor classroom design elements you should try to incorporate?
Thankfully, outdoor classroom design is an incredibly open-ended concept. From kids sitting in a circle under a tree to large scale outdoor learning environments, you’re free to set up the ideal outdoor classroom for your kids or students. And whether you’ve got one or two kids looking to get out of the home to do homework, or a full history class sitting outside while learning about the Revolutionary War, there are great layouts for you to choose from.
Here’s what you need for an ideal outdoor classroom:
- Plenty of open, well-tended space. You want to be able to keep an eye on all of the kids; dense wooded areas or spaces with tall grass may not be ideal
- Space for kids to stand and walk around within a designated space. Many kids, especially young children, can be more engaged in outdoor spaces when moving around.
- Space for kids to sit comfortably and relax when they aren’t interested in standing. Students will also need comfortable, dry places to sit while writing or drawing.
- Protection from the sun and bad weather. Many planned outdoor classrooms or other outdoor activities have been ruined by poor weather. As we’ll discuss shortly, party tents can alleviate these issues.
- Some fun outdoor activities and outdoor games to reward good behavior and the completion of goals.
How to Set Up Outdoor Spaces for Learning
Some of you reading this will be perfectly content with a blanket laid out on the grass in your backyard or in a public park. If you’re just doing some occasional outdoor learning, you honestly won’t need much more than that. But if you plan on truly maximizing the benefits of outdoor experiences, you may want to invest in making the space more suitable for long term learning.
Party tents, especially Weekender frame tents and pop up tents, are great for use as temporary backyard structures. Kids get to enjoy the clean, fresh air and can spend some time sitting in the grass or playing in the yard. But they can then return to the tent for serious work, where their laptop, tablet, books, and paper are all safe from sudden rain or windy weather. You can upgrade a party tent with tent sidewalls for added protection from the elements, too.
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As for seating inside the tent, we recommend folding tables and folding chairs. Folding tables provide lots of open space for kids to set up their various devices and school supplies. And folding chairs come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, with plenty of options designed specifically for children.
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Exciting Outdoor Experiences for Children
You can supplement a child’s exercise activities with a bounce house, inflatable water slide, or inflatable obstacle course, too. We published a feature a while back on the benefits of plyometric exercise and how children with regular access to these inflatables can greatly improve their health. Just because your kids are home from school doesn’t mean they should get out of gym class!
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Some of you are hoping to maximize your work and play balance. Others are trying to get their kids to put down their electronics and get some “old school” or “analog” time outdoors. Carnival games and sealed air games can keep kids active outdoors, and provide them with new ways to socialize with their siblings and friends, too.
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Creating an outdoor classroom where your children or students can learn, complete homework, and play isn’t too challenging. Setting up a multipurpose party tent, one you can use for all sorts of family and neighborhood activities, is relatively simple. Inflatables last a good long time, too. And kids will absolutely love the change of scenery and the privilege of learning outdoors.
Give Tent and Table a call today at 1-716-832-8368. Our gifted sales team would love the opportunity to help you find the perfect equipment to transform your backyard into a gorgeous and efficient learning environment for kids of all ages, from young children through high school students. Don’t forget to ask about our financing options and our weekly sales!