Outdoor Education for Non-Outdoorsy Teachers

Are you a teacher who doesn’t consider yourself “outdoorsy”? You’re not alone. Many educators feel more comfortable inside the classroom than outside in nature. Maybe you’ve had uncomfortable outdoor experiences, or you just don’t know where to start. The good news? You don’t have to be an expert in hiking, camping, or biology to bring your students outside for meaningful learning experiences.

Outdoor learning offers countless benefits for both you and your students—improved focus, reduced stress, and stronger connections to the world around them. Research shows that time in nature enhances mental health and cognitive development (Verywell Mind) and can even boost academic performance (Green Schoolyards America).

In this guide, you’ll find practical outdoor education tips for teachers who aren’t naturally outdoorsy, so you can take small steps to get outside without the overwhelm.

1. Start Small: Take Baby Steps

You don’t need to plan a full-blown outdoor unit right away. Begin by moving an existing activity outside—reading, journaling, or even a math game. This simple shift gives your students the mental and physical benefits of outdoor learning while keeping your planning stress-free.

👉 Pro Tip: If your students aren’t used to outdoor learning, ease into it slowly so they (and you!) feel comfortable.

Even short periods outdoors improve attention and working memory (The Guardian).

Quote Card: Even brief time spent in nature can improve children's focus, working memory, and mood

2. Try One Subject or Activity at a Time

Once you’ve tried something simple like outdoor reading, branch out to another subject. Instead of attempting an entire afternoon outdoors, start with one subject. This keeps logistics and materials manageable while helping you build confidence.

A systematic review found that outdoor classrooms increase student engagement and ownership of learning (Mann et al., 2022).

3. Use Ready-Made Outdoor Learning Resources

Not sure where to begin with lesson planning? Use pre-made resources from sites like Teachers Pay Teachers. These outdoor education materials are classroom-tested and require little prep, freeing you up to focus on enjoying the experience with your students.

Teachers who adapt existing lessons for outdoor use are more likely to continue with outdoor learning in the long run (American University School of Education).

4. Prepare Yourself for Comfort and Success

Outdoor learning is far more enjoyable when you’re prepared. Dress for the weather—layer up in the cold, wear breathable fabrics in the heat—and model this for your students.

Consider creating a teacher’s outdoor bag with essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, a first-aid kit, and comfort items (snacks, water, a notebook). Being prepared ensures you stay focused on teaching instead of discomfort.

Staying safe and prepared not only helps you focus on teaching, but also models resilience and responsibility for your students (CDC).

5. Connect With Local Experts and Programs

You don’t have to do outdoor learning alone. Many communities offer nature programs, field trips, or local experts who can lead hands-on experiences. Some even align directly with your curriculum, making it easy to meet learning outcomes while providing memorable outdoor lessons.

Programs such as Project Learning Tree provide teacher-friendly, curriculum-aligned outdoor resources (PLT).

kids laying in a circle on the grass outside

6. Keep Outdoor Learning Fun

he goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating positive experiences outside. If students enjoy outdoor time, they’ll look forward to it, and so will you. Relax, have fun, and focus on building joy into the process.

Outdoor learning boosts creativity, resilience, and social-emotional well-being (University of Derby, Nature Connectedness Research).

7. You Don’t Need to be an Outdoor Expert

You don’t need to identify every tree or bird. Instead, explore alongside your students. Let curiosity guide the experience—nature itself is the teacher.

Outdoor education research shows that students benefit most when learning is inquiry-driven and collaborative, not lecture-based (The Conversation).

Quote Card: You don't need to be an expert in nature- students and teachers can learn and explore together

8. Be a Positive Role Model

Your students will mirror your attitude. If you complain about the weather, they will too. Show excitement, dress appropriately, and model respect for nature. Your enthusiasm will inspire theirs.

Forest School programs, which emphasize role modelling, have been shown to build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills (Forest School – Wikipedia).

Outdoor Learning Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated

You don’t need to be outdoorsy to introduce your students to nature. Even short, simple activities outside can have a big impact on student well-being and learning outcomes. By starting small, using ready-made resources, and modeling a positive attitude, you can confidently bring outdoor education into your classroom routine.

Ready to dive deeper? Check out these helpful guides:

Make Getting Outside Simple…

Check Out These Outdoor Learning Resources:

References:

American University School of Education. (2024, December 6). The benefits of outdoor classrooms for student engagement. Retrieved from https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/benefits-of-outdoor-classrooms/

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

Children & Nature Network. (n.d.). Outdoor learning improves long-term memory of course content and activity for students in high school biology and reveals increased positive student attitudes towards learning. Retrieved from https://research.childrenandnature.org/research/outdoor-learning-improves-long-term-memory-of-course-content-and-activity-for-students-in-high-school-biology-and-reveals-increased-positive-student-attitudes-towards-learning/

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

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, 10, 877058. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.877058

Outdoor Play Canada / The Conversation. (2023, July 24). Outdoor education has psychological, cognitive and physical health benefits for children. Retrieved from 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.). Environmental education resources for educators. Retrieved from https://www.plt.org/educator-tips/

University of Derby. (2020). Nature connectedness research group. Retrieved from https://www.derby.ac.uk/research/about-our-research/nature-connectedness-research-group/

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

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

The Guardian. (2024, June 16). Green space could be even better for young brains than we realised. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jun/16/green-space-could-be-even-better-for-young-brains-than-we-realised