How to Ease Into Outdoor Learning: Simple Steps for Success

A group of students in a sharing circle outside

Outdoor learning has so many amazing benefits for both teachers and students. However, many eager teachers encounter setbacks early into taking learning outdoors. These setbacks might be classroom management issues, preparedness problems, or simply a lack of knowing what to do. This causes them to lose enthusiasm and abandon their dreams of taking learning outdoors. However, starting small and easing into outdoor learning can help to alleviate some of these issues and help you overcome some of the barriers to outdoor learning. When you ease into outdoor learning, both you and your students have the opportunity to learn and grow together.

How to Ease Into Outdoor Learning

1. Start Small

Outdoor learning might be just as new to your students as it is to you. Your student’s past outdoor experiences might have only included playing at recess. As such they may come with the idea that outdoor time is play time. Additionally, they may not have built up their outdoor stamina yet.

Starting small with only 10 minutes of outdoor learning can help our students build their resilience and stamina. It also helps them to understand that the outdoors can be for learning as well as playing.

Choose an easy activity with minimal instructions to start with. For example, having a sharing circle, read-aloud, or journaling are great ways to ease into outdoor learning.

2. Eliminate Transitions

Transitions are hard for everyone. Having an extra transition for outdoor learning (getting ready for outside, waiting for stragglers, quietly walking through the hallway, putting on outdoor shoes) can cause stress and confusion for our students which can lead to classroom management struggles.

Ease into outdoor learning by eliminating a transition. For example, you may want to start your outdoor learning time right after recess. This way students will not have to come inside and then transition back outside again. Simply set a spot for your students to meet outdoors after recess and then you can begin with your outdoor lessons. Another great time to take learning outdoors is at the end of the day. Have your students pack up their bookbags early and then take things outside.

A teacher reading outdoors with her students

3. Communicate With Families

If outdoor learning is going to be a regular part of your day/ week, families will need to be informed early in your program/learning year. Providing families with information can go a long way to convincing hesitant families (and students) of the value of outdoor learning. So often I found that I have classroom management struggles simply because students are uncomfortable. By informing families in advance, you can help ensure that your students come prepared to be outside.

4. Set Expectations In Advance

One of the biggest barriers teachers face in taking learning outside is classroom management. However, a bit of preparation and setting expectations in advance can go a long way in helping students adjust to outdoor learning. Work with your students before going outside to set up rules, expectations, or agreements for outdoor learning time. Go over these expectations often with students so that they are clear on what is required of them.

5. Build Momentum

Once your students have become accustomed to your short periods of outdoor learning, you can begin to build momentum. You can start to increase the time you spend outside but also the distance you travel away from the school. Additionally, as you and your students build trust in each other, you can try more challenging and exciting activities. Eventually, you will be able to spend an entire morning or afternoon outside with your students.

6. Celebrate Success and Growth

As you build your momentum you will notice your student’s resilience and self-confidence grow as well. You will start to see students’ relationships with each other and the earth grow. Take time to celebrate with your students and show them how far they have come.

A group of kids celebrating outdoor learning

Now Start Taking Those Baby Steps Towards Getting Outside…

Trying something new can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. Know that you are not alone and that there are people who can support you. Starting out gradually gives both you as a teacher and your students time to grow into outdoor learning. It can also give you the time you need to anticipate and navigate barriers and challenges that might arise.

Be proud of yourself for trying something new and even counter-cultural. You are doing something that can change the world and make a profound impact on your students.

For some tools to help you get started with outdoor learning, check out our “Get Outside Tool Kit.” This free tool kit has over 90 pages to help you get started with outdoor learning safely.

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