In the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools and families became more interested in the benefits of outdoor learning. Taking class outside seemed like a possible solution to the need for fresh air and more space to social distance. However, there are long-term benefits to learning outside, too. Research suggests that this is good for kids’ mental, social, and emotional health and development.

Here are 7 research-backed benefits of outdoor classrooms and outdoor learning for kids.

The truth is, spending time outside and in nature is beneficial for kids’ mental health. There are also quite a few studies that detail the mental health benefits of nature-specific outdoor learning. Let’s take a look at some of those.

1. Outdoor learning increases student engagement and ownership of learning.

One meta-analysis from 2022, titled “A Systematic Review Protocol to Identify the Key Benefits and Efficacy of Nature-Based Learning in Outdoor Educational Settings,” reviewed 147 original research studies to learn more about the efficacy of outdoor education. The authors looked at the social-emotional and academic benefits of outdoor learning settings, including outdoor adventure education, school gardens, field trips, and classes taught in natural environments.

The results revealed a host of benefits of outdoor education, including increased student engagement and ownership of learning, some academic improvement, development of social and collaborative skills, and improved self-concepts.

This study went so far as to recommend that every child’s school experience include outdoor learning of some kind.

2. Outdoor learning may encourage better behavior in students.

A study by the Natural Connections Demonstration, a four-year English outdoor learning project, found that outdoor classrooms may encourage better behavior in students. 

This study showed that 92 percent of teachers reported that their students were more engaged and better behaved. The children also self-reported being happier. More specifically, 92 percent of students shared that they enjoyed their lessons more outdoors, and 90 percent reporting feeling happier and healthier. 

3. Outdoor classrooms may improve teaching quality, too.

The same study by the Natural Connections Demonstration found that outdoor learning also supported lesson quality and teacher wellness. The teachers involved in the study reported positive impacts on their teaching quality and happiness.

More specifically, 79 percent of teachers reported positive impacts on their teaching practice, 70 percent reported improved job satisfaction, and 72 percent reported improved health and wellbeing. 

4. Learning outside supports academic performance.

A wide range of studies have found that learning outside, in outdoor classrooms, can support improved academic performance.

One research study in 2013, “Impact of Garden-Based Learning on Academic Outcomes in Schools: Synthesis of Research Between 1990 and 2010,” looked at 10 years of data. This study found that 83% of school garden studies found improved outcomes in science, math, and language arts.

But even just a view of nature can make a difference in improving academic performance. One study, “Impact of Views to School Landscapes on Recovery from Stress and Mental Fatigue,” found that a view of the outdoors could reduce stress and improve attention in students. Another study, “Student Performance and High School Landscapes: Examining the Links,” found that high school students with a view of trees tended to have higher standardized test scores, had higher graduation rates, and were more likely to be planning to attend a 4-year college.

5. Learning outdoors can improve children’s physical health.

Another benefit of taking class outside is that outdoor learning is proven to benefit students’ physical health and wellbeing. A report by the National Wildlife Federation - “Back to School: Back Outside!” - makes a strong case for the benefits of outdoor learning for academic performance, child development, and physical health.

This report shares research findings that indicate outdoor learning and “school greening” can:

• Positively impact healthy weight loss and even prevent obesity;

• Improve physical activity during school and outside of school;

• Help students become more aware of nutrition.

The NWF recommends that children have access to at least one “Green Hour” per day to support their academic, social, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

6. Outdoor classrooms can support the development of social and collaborative skills.

The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point has a wonderful educational and research program (LEAF) focused on outdoor education for children kindergarten through grade 12. Their work and research has found that learning outside can improve students’ understanding of their communities - environmental and human. This, in turn, contributes to a sense of place, with stronger connections to the natural world and more civic behaviors. 

The research conducted by the Natural Connections Demonstration also supported these learnings; they found that 72 percent of students reported improved interactions with others. 

Another study into the impact of outdoor activities on students, conducted by University College London Institute of Education, found that more than 80% of students reported better relationships with teachers, and 79% reporting better relationships with classmates.

7. Learning outside can support improved self-esteem, self-confidence, and other self-concepts for kids.

There’s a whole body of research that supports the idea that spending time outside supports self-esteem. 

The University College London (UCL) released research in 2019 that found that 80% of children felt more self-confident after spending time outdoors.  

Research conducted at the Forest School at Ringmer Primary found that all of their 37 students - even those with high self-esteem to begin with - reported improved self esteem. The improvement among those children with relatively low self-esteem to begin with appeared to be quite positive.

By the way, it’s not just kids who benefit from time outside; research of adults shared in Psychology Today found that as little as 5 minutes outdoors can improve self-esteem and mood.

How can families implement outdoor learning beyond school?

This research shows that spending time outside, and learning in outdoor classrooms, has a measurably positive impact on a child’s healthy development. 

Even though the benefits of learning outside are well-documented, the reality is, this approach to learning isn’t available to all families. Not every school offers a full hour of outdoor time, such as recess, or provides access to outdoor classrooms. Schools in urban locations may have limited access to greenery, even if they do have an outdoor space. The good news is that you can support outdoor education as a parent or caregiver, even if your school doesn’t provide it.

Simply spending time outside together - walking, camping, playing, or even just sitting - can have an impact. Gardening, planting trees, and going to nature preserves and parks can help support your child’s understanding of the natural world and their place in it. You could even try doing homework in the fresh air! Many cities and communities also offer free outdoor learning activities for kids and families.

Our partner, Little Renegades, also offers a Mindful Kids’ Little Scavengers Journal to support a child’s connection with the natural world. The journal gives children permission to ground themselves in the great outdoors and helps unlock a lifelong relationship with nature. It includes 128 pages of prompts to guide children into a deepened space of awareness, observation, and imagination. 

If you’d like more support for your child’s healthy development, Little Otter is here to help.

We offer free resources, including our free downloads and our Ask a Child Psychologist - Online and For Free! tool. We also offer online therapy for kids and families, designed to support you through big and little worries.

Learn more and join Little Otter today!