Outdoor learning provides a unique platform for hands-on, experiential learning, allowing children to engage with the natural world in a meaningful way. From examining the intricate patterns of leaves and making connections to other ‘arteries’ such as rivers and blood vessels, to observing the bustling dance of insects, the outdoors presents a treasure trove of learning opportunities.
This immersive approach to education fosters a deeper understanding of the world around us, stimulating curiosity and igniting a passion for lifelong learning. Children are not merely passive recipients of knowledge; they become active participants in their own learning journey, constructing their own understanding through exploration and discovery -the perfect embodiment of our philosophy at TT Education.
Integrate TT Education’s Philosophy into your lessons
The Path to Success is grounded in the latest educational research and first-hand experience of current teaching in the classroom
Teachers who utilise the Path to Success will develop and enrich children’s ability to problem-solve, think creatively, improve their skills as learners and, consequently, make accelerated progress – regardless of which subject you are teaching!
To embrace the natural world as a classroom, apply these five steps of the Path to Success into the children’s learning:
- Experience it: the first step of the process is to encourage children to fully assimilating the core knowledge from what you are teaching them. The aim is to immerse the children into the theme you are teaching, taking into account their stating points. Taking the lesson out to the outdoors will give the children the opportunity to really experience the world; to see it, to smell it; to touch it and to hear it.
- Play with it: the next step is to allow the children to play and practice; to explore in the mud, to get their fingers dirty and interact with their peers. Children’s brains are hard-wired to assimilate information and skills through play.
- Use it: Once children have experienced a particular skill and/or knowledge base and had an opportunity to play with it, they then move on to use it themselves in context. Practical application in context is key to successful outcomes for children.
- Develop it: At this stage children continue to develop the skill in context. Modelling and demonstration should be underpinned by an active, talk-led, collaborative learning climate, in which children move from learners to teachers. The children start to have a deeper understanding. This might be the stage where children have more freedom to use their acquired skills to, edit and adapt or complete their own projects and investigations.
- Connect it: Children begin making connections across the curriculum. At this deeper level of understanding, children will begin to make links and connections as to how they could apply the skill or concept they have just learnt across their other school subjects and in the wider world. Making and exploring these possible connections moves the child from deep learning into profound learning, which will stay with them forever…
This circular approach then repeats, as new skills, concepts and ideas are added. Utilise school grounds, nearby parks, forests, or gardens as outdoor learning spaces. Immerse the children in the natural environment with talk-led, active, collaborative approaches while conducting lessons, observations, and experiments outdoors.
Beyond the Classroom Walls: Unveiling the Multifaceted Benefits of Outdoor Learning
The benefits of outdoor learning extend far beyond academic achievement. This dynamic approach to education nurtures a holistic development, encompassing physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
- Physical Development: Outdoor activities promote physical development,, encouraging children to engage in play (the second step in the Path to Success), exercise, and exploration. This not only enhances their physical fitness, but contributes to a healthy lifestyle, laying the foundation for positive health habits in later life.
- Social and Emotional Development: The collaborative nature of outdoor activities fosters social interaction, teamwork, and empathy. Children learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts peacefully, and appreciate the diverse perspectives of their peers. Linking it to TT Education’s methodology, this approach allows the children to experience it, play with it and to use it. The more opportunities they are given, the more the children will develop the skills you have taught them in that outdoor setting.
- Cognitive Development: The natural world provides a rich tapestry of stimuli, stimulating curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Children are encouraged to think critically, make observations, and draw conclusions, enhancing their cognitive development, essentially being able to be in touch with all the five pillars of the Path to Success
Embark on an Outdoor Learning Adventure with TT Education
Join us on a journey of discovery as we evolve primary education through the power of outdoor learning. Through a blend of theoretical underpinnings and practical applications, our comprehensive outdoor learning courses provide teachers with the tools and confidence to transform their classrooms into dynamic outdoor learning environments. This approach will create a generation of passionate learners who are ready to embrace the natural world with open arms.
Transform Your Classroom into a Dynamic Outdoor Learning Hub: Explore Our Comprehensive Courses below:
