Built for Outdoor Learning
The benefits of outdoor learning for K–12 students are well documented. How to furnish those spaces remains a footnote. It shouldn’t be, given the creative new options available from furniture suppliers offering outdoor school chairs, seating and tables. If your school is stuck at tree stumps and stepping stones, fear not. Here’s how to create enhanced and inclusive education areas outside with furniture designed for it. That means durability, function, comfort, and a touch of fun for teachers and students. Keep reading to learn the ins and out(side)s of creating wildly versatile spaces within urban and suburban schools, especially with our?outdoor furniture lookbook!
Why Take Learning Outside?
A better question might be, why not? Research has shown that outdoor learning can have huge benefits on students’ mental health and academic performance. They’re often calmer and have better focus when learning in nature, and teachers have reported better behavior and social interactions with fewer disciplinary issues. The Minnesota Department of Education adds, “Some studies show outdoor learning can increase feelings of well-being, sustained attention and concentration. This particularly benefits children who may have experienced trauma or other life stressors.” Given the current state of mental health in schools – stressed students and weary teachers – every bit of “Vitamin N” matters.?That includes being in natural light, according to a recent NPR report.
Schools don’t need miles of blue sky, meadows and forests. It’s possible to create outdoor learning anywhere:
Learn more on what matters when designing the outdoor classroom: https://www.lothinc.com/blog/built-for-outdoor-learning-k12/