It has been proven that the outdoors is a very effective learning environment for kids. It can be very difficult for both teachers and parents to know how to teach in this environment, so it may take some getting used to!
If you want to try out an outdoor learning space without investing too much money, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled an ultimate guide to creating an outdoor learning space for a very low cost to help you develop the best space for your kids!
Are Outdoor Learning Spaces Good For Children?
Outdoor learning spaces have become very popular in recent years, and it has been found that this form of learning motivates young children, engaging and encouraging them in their learning.
It has been found that teachers find it difficult to use these outdoor classrooms as they lack the confidence to create the best outdoor learning space for their kids.
For outdoor learning spaces to be useful, teachers must be supported to be better at online learning. This will encourage them to become more confident to take children outdoors.
What Is An Outdoor Learning Space?
Outdoor learning spaces are areas in schools or gardens where the outdoor space has been well adapted to support the kids’ learning and engage their minds.
You can create fantastic outdoor learning spaces that do not cost anything at all. To do this, you will just need to transform some outside space into an exciting learning resource. Let’s have a look at how to do this!
How To Save Money On Your Outdoor Learning Space
There are lots of things that you can consider doing to cut some costs when creating an outdoor learning space. Consider using logs and stumps to design a makeshift campfire.
You can also consider raising some money to create this space. You will have the opportunity to receive charitable donations and discounts.
You don’t need many resources to ensure that your kids love playing outdoors and it is easy to incorporate the outdoors into your kids’ learning if you know how.
Things To Consider When Creating An Outdoor Learning Space
You don’t need much money to create an effective outdoor learning space. As a teacher creating an outdoor learning space, you will just need to consider a few things before you get started. These include:
Using The Outdoor Learning Space To Teach The Curriculum
It is a good idea to identify parts of the curriculum that work well in outdoor learning spaces.
Shared Expectations
You should ensure that everyone teaching in the school has shared expectations. All of your visions must be aligned so that the kids are used to outdoor learning.
You should discuss the importance of outdoor play in the education of the kids.
Training Of Staff
If you are invested in outdoor learning then you will need to train your staff to ensure that they are confident delivering the lessons outdoors.
How To Plan A Free Or Frugal Outdoor Learning Space
The first stage in developing an outdoor learning space is to plan the space. To do this you will need to consider the following:
Where To Have Your Outdoor Learning Space?
Choose a space that is not used in the school. These areas can be turned into great outdoor learning spaces.
If your school has lots of little spaces, you can use each one for a specific subject area. For example, you may want to put a fire pit in one of these little spaces.
If you have lots of space to choose from, it is best to choose a flat, blank surface. It is best if the area is untouched or unused.
Who Is The Outdoor Learning Space For?
It is important to determine who is using your outdoor learning space. Depending on who intends to use this resource, you may want to change the way you set it up.
For instance, if the whole school is going to use it, you may want to design it slightly differently than if only your class was planning to use the space.
You should also consider whether any children with physical or special needs will be using the outdoor learning space. If children are using it in this way, you may need to change your designs to accommodate these changes.
How Will The Outdoor Learning Space Be Used
It is important to consider how the space will be used, ensuring that the learning can easily incorporate all of the core subjects.
Once you have considered this you should consider whether anything needs to be added to the space. If you have the funding, add a pond or a stream to the space.
At this stage, it is a good idea to talk to the kids to see if there’s anything that they desire from the space.
Design Your Outdoor Learning Space
When you have planned your outdoor learning space, you can start to design it.
During this phase, you need to ensure that you have drawn out the design, making sure that you have the funds and equipment to carry out the design. Add some sensory elements to the outdoor learning space if you can.
How To Use The Outdoor Learning Space
It is important to ensure that once you have created your outdoor learning space, you maintain it well.
Make sure that your staff who are using the outdoor learning space are trained well. Also, ensure that they are aware that they are continually supported in their training in the area.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Creating an outdoor learning space does not have to cost you very much. They can be completely free or frugal. In this article, we have explored how you can save money on your outdoor learning space.
After you have read this ultimate guide you will also know how to create this outdoor learning space to ensure that the kids get the most from it!
Hey y’all! My name is Suzy, and I am the founder of SuzyHomeschooler.com. I have homeschooled my kids since they were small, and both have gone on to go to college at wonderful schools.
This is what inspired me to create SuzyHomeschooler.com. It’s a place where I can share my experiences with others, and offer tools, advice, and guidance to all those in a similar position.
If you want to get started on your homeschooling journey with your children, then join me today!
