“Children grow healthier, wiser, and more content when they are more fully connected throughout their childhood to the natural environment in as many educational and recreational settings as possible. These benefits are long term and significant and contribute to their future wellbeing and the contributions they will make to the world as adults.” ~Reconnecting the World’s Children to Nature “Call to Action”

September: Observation and outdoor learning

Benefits and Considerations of taking children outside

There are many ways to incorporate outdoor time into your school day. The benefits of doing so are numerous and well studied. Getting kids out of their chairs, down the hall, and into nature can be as easy as taking a nature walk with preschoolers to look for colors, or as complex as high school students in an ecology class studying a local pond. One essential component that they share however is involving children in observation and the outdoors.

Benefits of taking children outside:
• Children who spend at least 60 minutes outside every day have increased physical and emotional well-being
• Outdoor activity has a direct correlation to lower levels of childhood obesity
• Regular outdoor activity leads to reduced levels of ADHD
• Children who play outside have improved concentration and school performance
• Sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D – an essential vitamin that children today are often lacking enough of
• Outdoor time improves eyesight
• Children who play outside grow up to be stewards of the environment
• Outdoor play leads to improved critical thinking skills
• Nature makes kids nicer
• Children who regularly spend time outside show enhanced creative play and decreased aggression

Considerations before heading outside with kids:
• Check out the area before heading out with kids so you are aware of any safety considerations
• Be prepared for emergencies by bringing a cell phone and first aid kit with you
• Be aware of the current weather conditions as well as the forecast for the time that you will be out
• Make sure students and teachers are dressed appropriately for the conditions and have proper footwear
• Be aware of allergies - know before heading out the door if anyone is allergic to bee stings, pollen or other allergens
• Use the buddy systems and do frequent head counts
• Use extra caution around water - plan for extra supervision and life jackets if deemed necessary
• Be aware of the possible plants and wildlife you will observe - instruct children on the proper conduct around wildlife and unknown plants
• Wash hands upon returning to the classroom
• Take only memories; leave only footprints - teach children about having respect for living things and nature