There is numerous research that shows time outside in nature benefits everyone. Outdoor Classroom Day is a great way of starting a love for the nature, developing environmental responsibility and for better mental health.
Leave No Trace Ireland inspires responsible use of the outdoors through memberships, research and education. It teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. As the leading educator of outdoor ethics in Ireland, Leave No Trace Ireland will grow a nation of outdoor advocates to put the Leave No Trace Ireland principles into action. So the Outdoor Classroom Day is the perfect partnership with Leave No Trace.
In recent years, research has been carried out with schools that have been taking part in the Outdoor Classroom Day in the UK & Ireland. And the results show that there has been an impact.
Connection with nature:
- exposure through school-related programmes is the only significant predictor of environmental advocacy, activism, and volunteerism in adulthood.
- there is some evidence to suggest that less structure and freer play may be more effective in achieving desired outcomes [pro-environmental behaviours] than adult facilitated play.
Outdoor Classroom day is a great way of developing and promote environmental ethics and the principles of Leave No Trace, which hopefully will stay with them for the rest of their life.
Performance inside and outside the classroom:
- school students engaged in natural learning have been found to have high achievements in reading, maths, science, social studies, PE, drama and a general greater motivation for studying science
- 72% of teachers responding to the 2017 Outdoor Classroom Day campaign said that pupils’ ability to concentrate improved after taking part in lessons outdoors
- 90% of teachers responding to the 2017 Outdoor Classroom Day campaign said that pupils’ engagement in learning increased after taking part in lessons outdoors, and
- 94% of teachers responding to the 2017 Outdoor Classroom Day campaign said that pupils’ social skills, imagination and creativity all improved after playing outdoors.
Wellbeing:
- learning in natural environments is associated with pride, belonging and involvement in a community (for both children and adults)
- a systematic review of research evidence found that compared with indoor activities, physical activity in natural environments is associated with greater feelings of revitalisation and positive engagement; a decrease in tension, confusions, anger and depression; and increased energy.
- Building pride of place is a great way of encouraging environmental and social responsibility in the community. What better way of developing these traits than getting outside and starting a love for the environment at an early age.
There is still time to sign up for this years Outdoor Classroom Day here – http://bit.ly/OCDNewsletter
We have plenty of great FREE lesson plan ideas that can be used here – http://bit.ly/LNTResources
For more research results please contact www.outdoorclassroomday.org.uk
