Ideas to Get Students Active on Outdoor Classroom Day 

In a world where children are increasingly glued to screens and confined to indoor spaces, it is crucial for teachers to find creative ways to get students outdoors and active. Outdoor Classroom Day, an annual initiative celebrated worldwide – this year on May 18^th and November 2^nd, provides a fantastic opportunity for educators to engage their students in meaningful learning experiences while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.

Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts

Take your classroom outdoors with a nature walk or a scavenger hunt. Work with your students to create a checklist of items to be found in the schoolyard or nearby nature trails – leaves, rocks, pinecones, different types of plants, or even identifying bird species. Encourage them to document their findings through sketches, writing, or photographs. This activity not only gets children active but also boosts their observational skills and knowledge of the environment.

Active Learning Stations

Set up various active learning stations in the schoolyard or a nearby park. These stations can include activities that promote both physical movement and curriculum outcomes. Students can rotate through the stations, enjoying physical activity while reinforcing academic concepts. Collaborate with educators from different subjects to create a holistic outdoor learning experience.

Science Experiments

Utilize nature’s classroom for interactive science experiments. Teach students about plant life cycles by allowing them to plant seeds, observe germination, and care for the plants outdoors. Conducting simple experiments like measuring wind speed, collecting rainwater, or studying animal behaviour adds excitement, hands-on learning, and a sense of wonder to scientific concepts.

Environmental Art

Combine creativity and outdoor fun by organizing art activities focused on the environment. Students can create artworks using natural materials like flowers, leaves, or pebbles or take time to sketch what they see in nature from different perspectives. They can also engage in eco-friendly crafting using recycled materials, creating sculptures or mobiles inspired by nature. An art session outdoors allows students to express themselves, develop fine motor skills, and deepen their connection with the environment.

Outdoor Classroom Day provides teachers with an exceptional opportunity to break away from the traditional four walls of a classroom and engage students in hands-on, active learning experiences. By incorporating ideas that complement indoor lessons, educators can create enthusiasm and foster a love for the outdoors and learning. So, let’s embrace the outdoors, inspire our students, and make every day an outdoor classroom day!