As Covid-19 re-established the importance of the outdoors for many different health reasons, McCaig Elementary school in Rosemere went one step further constructing an Outdoor Classroom which was completed on Monday, June 7th 2021.
Thanks to different fundraising efforts by the parents, 35 000$ gathered and allocated for this project. The Material Resources Department of the Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier School Board also contributed towards the project. The total projected cost for this initiative is 102 000$.
The phenomenon of open-air learning is widespread, with different schools in Canada adapting their outdoor classrooms to their needs. While the characteristics of outdoor classrooms can vary dramatically from school to school, the benefits of bringing children outdoors to learn are the same.
Way before covid struck, the British Office for Standards in Education emphasized that outdoor learning made subjects more vivid and interesting for pupils. It also stated that it enhanced the pupils’ understanding of the taught subject. This can be down to a number of different key reasons, but most prevalent is the fact that outdoor learning settings provide an alternative environment to the regular classroom. Some children find it difficult to learn in a classroom-based environment. The structure of indoor lessons, or the confined table settings can hinder someone with a more hands on approach to learning. By taking the classroom outside, you provide an alternative learning space for those who find it difficult to learn indoors.
Outdoor lessons tend to be more socially interactive, more relaxed and much more pupil lead. And this learning style is great for those who find indoor lessons difficult. Not only this, due to the nature of the lesson plans – outdoor lessons are much more socially interactive. This therefore can help to promote new friendships among peers, as well as a healthy respectful relationship between teachers and pupils.
Furthermore, learning outdoors promotes a healthy relationship with their natural surroundings. As well as teaching pupils to identify potential hazards, increase self-awareness and improve health and fitness levels.
