As the new academic year approaches, there’s a unique opportunity to create an inspiring and engaging learning environment that encourages exploration and connection. One effective way to do this is by integrating natural elements into your classroom. By bringing the outdoors in, you not only create a welcoming space but also harness the educational and emotional benefits that nature provides.
The Benefits of Nature in the Classroom
Opportunities to access natural environments has been shown to have significant positive effects on students’ behaviour and learning. Research highlights that adding just six potted plants to indoor classrooms can reduce misbehaviour (Han, 2009). This is such a simple addition to any classroom. You could even name the plants and ask the children to look after them.
Exposure to greenspace, whether around the home or school site, has been associated with a range of benefits, including reduced aggressive behaviours (Younan et al., 2016; Leet et al., 2019), lower odds of hyperactivity and ADHD symptoms (Van Aart et al., 2018; Yang et al., 2019), and improved emotional and behavioural regulation skills (Scott et al., 2018). These findings underscore the importance of utilising natural environments and valuing them within school settings.
Bringing the Outdoors In: Practical Ideas
One of the most effective ways to integrate nature into your classroom is through displays and teaching materials made from natural resources. For instance, using sticks to create displays that support subjects like Active Maths and place value can make abstract concepts more tangible. Sticks could represent tens, while pebbles could symbolise units, providing a hands-on way for students to engage with maths.
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Involve the school community in collecting resources like conkers, pinecones, or leaves throughout the school year. These materials can be used to create number lines, sorting activities, or seasonal displays that bring a bit of the outdoors into your everyday classroom environment.
Cultivating a School-Wide Connection to Nature
To truly value the outdoors as a teaching and learning tool, it’s essential to cultivate a culture of observation and connection to nature within your school community. Encourage your team to engage with the changing environment around them. For example, you could challenge your school community to notice or collect signs of the changing seasons, such as spotting the first frost, the appearance of autumn leaves, or the first conker of the season. These observations can then be shared, sparking discussions and inspiring creativity.
This initiative can extend beyond individual classrooms, becoming a school-wide effort to connect with and learn from nature. By creating displays that evolve with the seasons or setting up a nature corner in the classroom, students can continually engage with the natural world, fostering a sense of curiosity and respect for the environment.
Reframing Outdoor Learning as Active Learning
For subject leads, encouraging your team to think of outdoor learning as active learning can be a powerful way to shift mindsets. Rather than viewing outdoor learning as an occasional activity, consider how different subjects can be taught through movement and multi-sensory opportunities. For example, Active Maths could involve measuring tree heights, mapping out shapes in the playground, or creating symmetrical patterns using natural materials.
By reimagining outdoor learning in this way, teachers can move away from the stereotypical view of outdoor learning as toasting marshmallows around a campfire. Instead, they can see the possibilities of enriching the curriculum and engaging students in learning.
Creating a Nature-Rich School Environment
The key to a successful integration of nature into your school lies in visible commitment. When you value the outdoors as a teaching and learning tool, it should be evident in every corner of your school. Whether through natural displays in hallways, classrooms filled with plants, or outdoor-inspired learning spaces, the environment should reflect your school’s dedication to nature and active learning.
As you set up your primary classroom for the new academic year, remember that the way you design your space can have a lasting impact on your students. By bringing the outdoors in, you create a learning environment that is not only beautiful but also conducive to personal growth, emotional well-being, and academic success.
