The Research

There is countless research that outlines the benefits of outdoor learning in children. If you are interested, we recommend reading “Balanced and Barefoot” written by Occupational Therapist, Angela Hanscom. 

She discusses benefits of outdoor learning that include some of the following;

• Inclusive teaching and an equity of learning 
• Enhanced personal and social communication skills (e.g. making friends, sharing, collaborating, listening & speaking, taking turns)
• Positive influence on mental health (e.g. developing an ability to self-regulate, identify emotions)
• Developing reflective and inquisitive thinking
• Developing an ability to solve problems in real life situations
• Increased physical health (practicing gross and fine motor skills, moving around)
• Developing a greater connection to the environment and land in which we learn on (e.g. identifying plants, animals, wildlife in our area)
• Developing one’s senses 
• Taking risks and developing resilience