Children love the great outdoors. They love exploring, climbing trees and splashing in puddles. Not only do outdoor experiences create fun childhood memories, but they also make ideal learning opportunities for children.
Outdoor learning helps children to realise that learning can happen anywhere; not just in a classroom.
To discover more benefits associated with outdoor learning, here is some really interesting information from an independent school in London…
Supports personal skills:
Outdoor learning helps children to develop different personal skills and abilities. For example, building a treehouse requires teamwork, reading a map tests a child’s critical thinking skills, and working out how to cross a stream involves problem solving skills. Developing these personal skills will help to boost your child’s confidence.
Improves wellbeing
Spending more time outdoors encourages your child to lead an active lifestyle. This is incredibly beneficial to your child’soverall wellbeing. Perhaps as a family you could go on more walks together? You may even discover new places in your local area, or learn new things about the history of your neighbourhood.
Encourages problem solving
Outdoor experiences offer new challenges to children, which help to develop their problem-solving skills. Through outdoor activities, children are able to identify hazards and evaluate risks. These decision making opportunities will help your child to learn from mistakes and build their confidence.
Promotes a love of nature
Outdoor adventures encourage children to engage with nature. They also help to teach children about environmental issues, such as deforestation and pollution. Children learn to appreciate and respect the world around them, which will hopefully contribute towards a better planet in the future.
Camping is a great way to engage with nature as a family. During your trip your child will have an opportunity to explore, learn survival skills and try new activities such as map reading and making a camp fire – Who doesn’t love toasted marshmallows?