There is so much to be learned beyond the classroom doors, which is why it’s so important for our students to head outside and explore the world around them. Outdoor learning can involve a variety of activities, ranging from adventure play and Forest School classes to environmental education tasks. In either case, it is a fantastic way to engage students and help them connect with nature along the way.
Here at Ashbridge, we’re proud of our approach towards outdoor learning. We encourage students to be curious as they explore within our state-of-the-art school facilities, forming bonds, creating memories, and developing in the way that best suits them.
How is Outdoor Learning Beneficial?
Whilst learning outdoors can, of course, help children better their understanding of nature, they can also pick up a range of developmental skills that they are sure to carry for life. Whether it’s learning about different types of trees, minibeasts, and wildlife or fostering growth in their holistic development, the benefits of learning outdoors are undoubtedly worth exploring for both parents and teachers alike!
Fostering Confidence
Inspiring confidence in students at a young age can truly shape their educational experience. Offering them the chance to adventure outdoors, take calculated risks, and problem-solve alongside peers, we are keen to show our students the value of self-esteem. This openness to both success and failure will, with time, foster a sense of confidence in young people, leaving them without that dreaded fear of not always succeeding.
Engaging Interest-led Learning
Creating opportunities for interest-led learning is an excellent way to keep students engaged and interested in their education. Allowing them the opportunity to express themselves and follow a path that best suits their academic style is far more likely to garner results and, more importantly, personal growth in your little one.
Socialising
Outdoor learning can put children in scenarios wherein communication and collaboration are necessary. More practical learning styles, which are commonplace in outdoor learning, naturally require elements of conversation and problem-solving. They can benefit children’s ability to express themselves and teach them valuable lessons about compromise and understanding.
Boosts Mood
It’s no secret that taking a step outside and being at one with the trees is a fantastic, natural way to destress. Teaching young ones the importance of grounding themselves in the earth and relaxing into the outside world is a valuable lesson on seamlessly boosting your mood and exercising self-care.
What is Outdoor Learning in Early Years?
If you’re still unsure what outdoor learning in the early years actually looks like, our Ashbridge Day Nurseries and private school in Lancashire can give you a much clearer idea. We have a range of facilities across our river and forest schools designed to inspire our students and give them the foundations they need to thrive for the duration of their education.
Ashbridge Forest Schools
The Ashbridge Independent School, along with Maxy Farm in Cottam, Ashbridge Nursery in Hutton, and The Fledglings Nursery, represent our Forest Schools! With various expansive outdoor spaces, our Forest School sessions start from age two, with qualified Forest School teachers leading classes designed to broaden students’ educational horizons. In fact, we even encourage the young ones to take off their shoes to truly connect with the nature that surrounds them with our barefoot forest session. From splashing in puddles to learning how to build and cook on fires, our Forest Schools allow for plenty of unique and stimulating developmental opportunities.
Ashbridge River School
Unlike our other nurseries, the Ashbridge Nursery on Walton le Dale is a riverside nursery. While there are many similarities, including soft play spaces, adventure play, and a stunning garden, the Ashbridge on Ribble nursery also has a converted boat, The Ardent, for children to explore! This boat and sandy, riverside outside space promise plenty of exciting opportunities for role-play and the development of motor skills in little ones.
Visit Ashbridge Today
With any luck, we’ll have cleared up any questions on ‘what is outdoor learning’ and how it can benefit your child’s growth and development. Ashbridge is known for its fantastic outdoor facilities, so why not trust us to show your little one just how fulfilling it can be to learn outdoors?
If you have any further questions, such as ‘How is outdoor learning beneficial?’, don’t hesitate to contact us or book an Ashbridge School tour or a Day Nurseries tour for an even clearer idea of how committed we are to delivering a first-class education to our students.
