Outdoor Classroom design ideas to optimise outdoor learning
Stepping out of the classroom and into the fresh air of an outdoor learning space can feel energising, refreshing and engaging for many school pupils. Research shows that outdoor learning deepens a connection with nature, improves child development, supports wellbeing and can promote inclusive learning opportunities but many schools do not have the structures in place to take advantage of these benefits. In this post, we'll discuss some of the positive aspects of outdoor learning and how our customisable outdoor classroom structures can help to bring these benefits to your school.
What are the Benefits of Outdoor Learning?
Many schools, especially after the COVID 19 pandemic, have come to realise the benefits of outdoor learning. By moving away from classroom-based learning and out into the great outdoors, teachers have reported that children have improved their physical skills, communication, confidence and social skills, their ability to work together and their general attitude to learning.
Outdoor learning also helps children understand nature and lets them connect to the natural world outside the walls of the classroom. Learning in an outdoor classroom, students can experience nature in a hands-on way and strengthen their love and connection to animals, plants and insects. Better still, outdoor learning can also be an inclusive experience because, as many teachers know, traditional classroom learning doesn't work for every child. If you have children with special educational needs in your class, learning outdoors gives more opportunities for the whole class to work together in nature and to enjoy the sensory and immersive experience.
What Kind of Outdoor Classrooms Do We Offer at Edspace?
Our outdoor classrooms are constructed from high quality FSC standard, responsibly sourced, play grade timber, which is sustainable, durable and long lasting. The standard layout of our classrooms includes timber flooring, perimeter bench seating, solid timber roofs and palisade enclosures. They also include integral access ramps to allow wheelchair or disabled access.
Our two most popular styles are the hexagonal classroom, measuring 4m to 6m in diameter, and the rectangular classroom, which measures from 3m by 2m (seating 17 pupils) up to 7m by 4m, which has room for up to 50 pupils. Our designs can include classrooms with inbuilt external storage, open entrances, open sides or drop down sides and we can also include internal work stations and whiteboards alongside integrated bench seating in various configurations.
Does Edspace Provide Customised Outdoor Classrooms?
Yes! If our standard rectangular or hexagonal classrooms are not right for you, we offer bespoke outdoor learning solutions. We will visit your school to survey the space you have available and find out exactly what you need from your outdoor learning space. Then, we will translate your vision into drawings and plans and provide a fully itemised costing to ensure your classroom meets your budget and expectations.
Please contact us today and speak to our friendly team about our range of outdoor classrooms. Integrate outdoor learning into your curriculum and watch your pupils enjoy the benefits.
