Benefits to our Students

Some learners may have trouble paying attention in the classroom. This could be because of distractions, fatigue, or medically diagnosed conditions. Spending time learning in an outdoor setting - or even taking a walk through the woods helps restore a child's attention, allowing them to concentrate and perform better in the classroom.

Many children can struggle with impulse control, which can effect learning, particularly some children with ADHD. Some studies suggest that green space, or outdoor learning, helps these children with concentration and self discipline and control. 

Adults and children can feel less stress after an occasional retreat to an outdoor learning environment. Studies have found that holding a class outdoors one day a week can significantly improve the stress levels of students when compared to students who only receive indoor-only instruction. 

Most kids seem to like to be outside more than inside. Research suggest that kids are more engaged in learning not only during outdoor instruction, but upon returning to indoor instruction afterward. 

Physical fitness is important for children for many reasons. Physical fitness also plays an important role in learning. Having access to nature may encourage children to become more physically active, which can also improve mental and emotional health. 

Learning environments can make a tremendous difference in a child's academic success. Allowing kids to spend time in settings with natural elements and giving nature experiences can create a calmer, socially safe, and fun learning environment. Being outdoors can also help enhance peer-to-peer relationships, as well as student/teacher relationships. 

Outdoor based education can provide hands on nature learning at the Elementary Level all the way to Biology concepts for our High School Students. Additionally, the creation of this learning space will allow the District to continue to build upon their partnership with the Chippewa Nature Center. These updates would also follow National trends in curriculum expansion that helps deliver high level outcomes.