You may have read our recent post on the impact of nature on your own well-being.
Research has proven countless benefits to your physical and emotional health with even just a little time outdoors.
These same benefits can be enjoyed by your students as well. And moving outdoors can also have a positive impact on student learning. With spring weather at your disposal, consider a change of scenery for you and your students!

You don’t have to get super fancy, either. While some lessons may rely more heavily on white boards or technology, any subject can move outside to learn at some point. And it can be as simple as your math students clipping partner work to a clipboard and spreading out under the trees to collaborate. Or hosting outdoor independent reading time during a novel unit. Or grouping kids to spread out and create skits about an event in history as seen from different perspectives. Or partnering them up to draw landscapes in your art class.
So what is it about learning among nature that can be so beneficial?

Movement
For one thing, it gets kids moving. Let’s face it: kids are squirmy little beings. But even as adults, try to imagine sitting at a desk observing, taking notes, and working all day. Even a grown-up “desk job” will have more options for mobility (standing desks, under-desk treadmills, the ability to take a stretch break or restroom break whenever needed). Students often don’t have these options, so any movement they can get will help activate their brains and give a little boost for the next learning activity. As you move outdoors, different muscles are being activated due to walking, standing, or even sitting in a different position.

A Change of Scenery
Have you ever been stuck on an issue for a long time, and a solution hits you out of nowhere when you least expect it?
There’s a good chance you were in a different location when that happened. A change of scenery can almost force a fresh perspective on cognitive processes. Students will reap these rewards as well as they learn outdoors.
A Different Vibe
There is something about being outside that is just relaxing. You’re out of the constraints of a desk. Away from the buzzing of harsh overhead fluorescent lights. You can hear the breeze rustling through the leaves. Maybe the warmth of the sun seeps into your soul a bit. Screens are put away for the time being, giving a much-needed break for the eyes. Even a little bit of tension relief can have a large positive impact, as students who are more relaxed will be more willing to persevere through challenging learning situations.
Need some proof? Outdoor learning is backed by science as well!
One study showed that learning outdoors
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- “...increased standardized test scores, enhanced attitude about school, improved in-school behavior, improved attendance and overall enhanced student achievement when students learn in and about nature.”
- “...effectively employs a greater range of children’s intelligences.”
- “...increases students’ physical, mental and social health.”
- “...decrease[s] the symptoms of ADHD.”
- “…decrease[s] stress levels of students and teachers.”
- And helps students develop “a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making and problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline and initiative.”There is something about being outside that is just relaxing. You’re out of the constraints of a desk. Away from the buzzing of harsh overhead fluorescent lights. You can hear the breeze rustling through the leaves. Maybe the warmth of the sun seeps into your soul a bit. Screens are put away for the time being, giving a much-needed break for the eyes. Even a little bit of tension relief can have a large positive impact, as students who are more relaxed will be more willing to persevere through challenging learning situations.Need some proof? Outdoor learning is backed by science as well!One study showed that learning outdoors
If you’re stuck on ideas for outdoor learning with your class(es), check out these resources:
- STEM outdoors - collection of hands-on outdoor activities that are rooted in STEM (but really, anyone can adapt these!)
- 1000 Hours Outside - fun ideas, trackers, and even curriculum to help break your kiddos out of the building
- FREESources library - click the link for a pre-searched outdoor learning collection of ideas from our very own FREESources library
So ditch the devices and head into the fresh air with your students today!

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