How to Start Taking Your Students Outside: A Practical Guide for Teachers

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Outdoor learning offers numerous benefits, including improved focus, reduced stress, and enhanced academic performance. Research indicates that students who engage in outdoor education demonstrate increased engagement, ownership of their learning, and improved social and collaborative skills (Mann et al. – Frontiers in Public Health). If you’re considering integrating outdoor learning into your classroom, here are some actionable steps to get started.

A teacher talking to a group of students outside

7 Things to Do Before You Start Taking Your Students Outside to Learn

1. Plan Ahead: Start Simple

If the idea of outdoor learning seems scary, a bit of planning and time to think ahead can help to make you feel ready and capable. Remember, outdoor learning doesn’t need to be complicated. You can start with something as simple as just reading a book outside or give your students time to work on a project outdoors. 

Begin with manageable activities that align with your curriculum. For instance, consider taking your math lesson outdoors by using natural objects for counting or measurement exercises. This approach allows students to experience learning in a new environment without the need for extensive preparation. Even brief time spent outdoors can improve children’s focus, working memory, and mood (Verywell Mind – verywellmind.com).

2. Familiarize Yourself With the Outdoor Learning Environment

Before heading outside, take time to explore the area where you’ll be conducting lessons. Becoming familiar with the local flora, fauna, and potential hazards ensures a safer and more enriching experience for both you and your students. Being aware of the weather patterns can help in planning appropriate activities and ensuring comfort during outdoor sessions (Green Schoolyards America – greenschoolyards.org).

3. Gather Necesary Supplies

Prepare a checklist of materials you’ll need for outdoor lessons. This might include clipboards, sunscreen, water bottles, and any subject-specific tools. Having these items ready will minimize disruptions and maximize the time spent on learning activities (Verywell Mind – verywellmind.com).

4. Communicate With Families

Inform parents and guardians about your plans to take students outside. Provide guidance on appropriate clothing for various weather conditions and any other preparations they should make. This collaboration ensures that students are adequately prepared and that families are supportive of outdoor learning initiatives (CDC – cdc.gov).

5. Start With Short Sessions

Initially, limit outdoor learning sessions to shorter durations. This allows students to acclimate to the new setting and helps you assess the effectiveness of the activities. Gradually increase the length of these sessions as both you and your students become more comfortable (Mann et al. – Frontiers in Public Health).

6. Reflect and Adapt

After each outdoor lesson, take time to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. Solicit feedback from your students to understand their experiences and preferences. Use this information to make adjustments and enhance future outdoor learning opportunities (Outdoor Play Canada – outdoorplaycanada.ca)

7. Utilize Available Resources

Leverage existing resources to enrich your outdoor lessons. Many educational platforms offer materials designed for outdoor learning, which can save you time and provide structured activities. For example, the Council of Outdoor Learning provides a toolkit with methods and models for outdoor education (Project Learning Tree – plt.org)

A group of teenage students outside linking arms.

What Are You Waiting For, It’s Time to Start Taking Your Students Outside

Integrating outdoor learning into your classroom doesn’t have to be daunting. By starting with simple activities, preparing adequately, and collaborating with families, you can create a dynamic learning environment that benefits both you and your students. Remember, the goal is to make learning engaging and enjoyable, and the outdoors offers a perfect setting for this. Forest School programs, which emphasize role modeling, have been shown to build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills (Forest School – Wikipedia)

Here are some great activities to get you started outside:

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Resources:

Mann, J., Gray, T., Truong, S., Sahlberg, P., Bentsen, P., Passy, R., Ho, S., Ward, K., Cowper, R., & Bruenig, M. (2022). Getting out of the classroom and into nature: A systematic review of nature-specific outdoor learning on school children’s learning and development. Frontiers in Public Health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9149177/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Verywell Mind. (2022). Thinking outside the classroom: The benefits of outdoor learning. https://www.verywellmind.com/outdoor-learning-school-kids-benefits-expert-advice-6455659?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Green Schoolyards America. (n.d.). Experiencing nature supports cognitive and learning benefits. https://www.greenschoolyards.org/nature-benefits-cognitive

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Extreme heat: Keeping kids safe when temperatures soar. https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/kidsafety/index.html

Outdoor Play Canada / The Conversation. (2023). Outdoor education has psychological, cognitive and physical health benefits for children. https://www.outdoorplaycanada.ca/2023/07/24/the-conversation-outdoor-education-has-psychological-cognitive-and-physical-health-benefits-for-children/

Project Learning Tree. (n.d.). Creating an outdoor classroom: Things to consider. https://www.plt.org/educator-tips/creating-an-outdoor-classroom-things-to-consider/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Forest School – Wikipedia. (2025). Forest school (learning style). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_school_(learning_style)

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