Outdoor Classroom Day is a global campaign to inspire and celebrate outdoor learning and play. The campaign days act as a catalyst for more time outdoors every day, both at school and beyond.
At Greenspan, as designers and suppliers of school and nursery landscapes and play areas, outdoor learning is at the very heart of what we do, which is why we are pleased to support Outdoor Classroom Day!
The benefits of taking learning outdoors.
There is strong evidence to report that when teachers take learning outdoors there are three key things that are positively affected: Children’s behaviour improves, whole classes are excited to learn, and individuals who feel inhibited by the curriculum often thrive in an outdoor environment.
If we think back to our happiest memories of childhood, they frequently recall the joy of playing outdoors. Play is not only central to children’s enjoyment of childhood, but teaches critical life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity.
The aim of ‘Outdoor Classroom Day’ is to get as many children as possible playing and learning outside. For some schools, this will be an opportunity to try learning outside the classroom for the first time. Teachers who regularly take students outdoors may use this day as a celebration of what they are doing already and a chance to inspire other schools to get involved. Here at Greenspan Projects, we are supporting Outdoor Classroom Day as we want to show our understanding of the importance of outdoor learning spaces. We strive to inspire our clients to include exciting, engaging, and inviting outdoor education spaces within their school or nursery grounds, encouraging children to spend more time outdoors.
“Academic research shows that active play is the natural and primary way that children learn.”
Sir Ken Robinson
Leading Expert in Education, Creativity and Human Development.
The history of Outdoor Classroom Day
In 2012 a handful of schools in London celebrated outdoor learning as part of a new campaign founded by Anna Portch, Empty Classroom Day. By 2015, over 600 schools in 15 countries were involved. In 2016, Project Dirt, one of the founding organisations, partnered with Unilever’s Dirt is Good team to take the movement global. Following consultation with school leaders, play experts and NGOs around the world, the global campaign became Outdoor Classroom Day. Later that year, the campaigns were brought together under one name and the truly global Outdoor Classroom Day movement was born. In the UK and Ireland, Outdoor Classroom Day is led by the charity Learning through Landscapes with support from Persil, as part of the global Project Dirt campaign led by in partnership with Unilever as part of their Dirt is Good movement.
Feeling Inspired?
Are you interested in creating a bespoke outdoor classroom space or adventure play structure at your primary education, early years or SEN setting, Greenspan would love to hear from you. Our experienced team is always happy to guide you through the process, sharing ideas and advice on everything from design, budget, materials, and planting considerations.
Give us a call today on 02380 476 737.
To find out more visit www.outdoorclassroomday.org.uk
