There are huge benefits to learning outdoors. This post is filled with outdoor activities for kids and outdoor classroom resources.
The natural curiosity of children combined with fresh air and hands-on experiences makes the outdoor classroom the most ideal learning environment.
Learn how to create an outdoor classroom, how to tackles the obstacles that come with learning outdoors, equip yourself with hundreds of activities for inspiration and execution, and create an amazing foundation with ample, well-vetted books lists I have curated for the outdoor environment.
Enjoy these outdoor activities & resources!
Benefits of Outdoor Classrooms
As Dr. Montessori asserted, a child discovers the world through the senses. The child’s brain sees, smells, hears, feels, and tastes more poignantly, thus helping the brain develop in ways not available to indoor learning.
Other examples of the benefits of outdoor learning include:
- more balance
- less anxiety
- more joy
- better focus
- communication skills
- stronger immuse systems
- problem solving skills
- more connection with families
- better sense of duty & purpose
According to School A to Z out of Australia, “Studies have found that children who don’t necessarily thrive in a traditional classroom (including students with ADHD) are more engaged and successful when they’re learning in a curriculum-based, outdoor environment.”
Additionally, according to a study conducted by students at the University of Wisconsin at Steven’s Point, “Children greatly benefit developmentally from being outdoors. Outdoor education and play support emotional, behavioral and intellectual development. Studies have shown that students who learn outdoors develop: a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making and problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline and initiative.”
I highly recomennd this well researched article from The Greater Good in Berkeley. It sites various scientific studies indicating ths positive impact nature has on children and adults.
How to Create an Outdoor Classroom
Check out these ideas and resources on how to create your outdoor learning environment. Keep in mind a lot of creating an outdoor classroom is about cultivating a positive and excited mindset for you and the kids!
- How to Create an Outdoor Space for Your Montessori Environment
- Connecting Indoor and Outdoor Montessori Classrooms
- Create an Outdoor Classroom with these Books
- Create a Natural History Museum
“Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education.”
– David Polis
How to Guides for Outdoor Education
Learning outdoors sounds romantic. Then there are the tears and the whining. Not to mention the “bad weather”. Here are a few ideas to tackles the obstacles of outdoor learning activities. My hope is that these ideas will help you reach success in your outdoor learning environment.
- The Best Tips for the Outdoor Classroom & How to Garden with Kids
- Steps to Make Outdoor Activities for Kids Fun & Not Frustrating
- Rainy Day Outdoor Tips & Tricks
- Outdoor Learning Rules to Teach our Kids
- Learn the Vital Importance of Gross Motor Development
- Our Garden {Outdoor Classroom}
- Celebrating the Old with the New
- 4 Parenting Tips: Preparing Kids for Camping
- Gardening Tools for Kids
- Simple is Best {Nature’s Playground}
- Taking Montessori Outside Guides
Outdoor Activities for Kids
Peruse hundreds of outdoor learning activities for a wide range of ages and development.
- 12 Unique & Creative Activities with Seeds
- How to Get Kids to Eat Vegetables: Gardening Activity for Kids
- Creative Montessori Outdoor Language Activities Kids Love
- 12 Awesome Ways to Learn at a Construction Site
- Easy Nature Activity for Kids
- Outdoor Language Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Sensorial – Outdoor Montessori Activities
- Practical Life – Outdoor Montessori Activities
- 75+ Rock Star Ideas for the Montessori Outdoor Classroom
- Nature Sensory Bottle
- Nature Activities for Families
- Activities for Early Childhood Outdoor Education
- Art and Nature Activity for Kids
- Rock Activities for Kids
- Three Easy Ways to Explore Nature
- Parts of a Flower
- Nature’s Playground Activities
- Gardening with Kids {Make a Worm Tower}
- Make A Magic Seed Star
- How to Make an Easy DIY Newspaper Planter with Kids
- Six Nature Themed Math Activities
- Make Your Own Wild Kratts Creature Power Discs
Outdoor Education Book Lists
Books should be an integral piece of any learning environment. Below are several lists to inspire you and to make learning loads of fun. These books can all be applied to the outdoor classroom.
- Seeds – Children’s Books
- Ants – Children’s Books
- Bears – Children’s Books
- Rocks – Children’s Books
- Summer Solstice Books for Kids
- Children’s Books about Seasons
- 5 Ways to Bring Storytelling to Life in Nature
- Celebrate Winter Outdoors with these Books
- Camping with Kids
- Celebrating Earth Day with Books
- 25+ Books that Inspire Gardening in Kids
- 5 Warm & Wonderful Winter Solstice Books for Kids
- The Best & Most Heartwarming Children’s Books about Winter
Ideas for Outdoor Learning
Ultimate List of Fun & Easy Outdoor Games for Kids
This post includes tons of outdoor games for kids!
Enjoy!
Marnie
FREE DOWNLOAD: Montessori Guide
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