3 reasons you should encourage learning outdoors

January 2nd 2025

Learning outside on a regular basis has proven benefits for pupils and for the wider school community. We answer your questions about taking the curriculum and reading time outside.

Plus, we offer recommendations on how to make the most of your outdoor spaces for learning and reading, as well as the best children's books for forest schools and exploring outside.

What are teachers' views on outdoor learning?

You might be hesitant to try teaching outside. Where might you find time for outdoor lessons with an already packed curriculum and restricted budget?

Outdoor lessons needn't be, and shouldn't become, an extra burden on staff. Several studies into learning outside concluded that building staff confidence and skills were equally, if not more important to the success of outdoor learning (Children and Nature programme, 2022). 

The Natural Connections Demonstrations Project (2012-2016) was set up with the intention to support schools with integrating outdoor learning into their planning and practices, and address those traditional concerns of time and resources. Its final report (2016) surveyed participating teachers and found teaching and learning in the natural environment had a positive impact across a range of factors, including behaviour and wellbeing.

What are the benefits of outdoor learning?

1. Inspires positive learning experiences

Outdoors, children have the freedom and space to learn independently and as a result build self-confidence. Regular lessons outside can motivate pupils and encourage a keenness to participate. Teaching the curriculum can also be more creative and involving, with over 90% of schools finding outdoor learning helpful for curriculum delivery (Natural Connections Demonstrations Project, 2016).

2. Encourages better behaviour and social skills

With pupils more engaged and willing to participate, outdoor learning positively impacts children’s behaviour. Outdoor lessons offer opportunity for team-based activities as well as sharing specific tools (magnifying glasses or binoculars, for example), encouraging children to be more aware of their peers and the impact of their actions.

3. Improves wellbeing and wider awareness

It’s no secret that being outdoors boosts physical and mental health, and by including outdoor lessons as part of your school’s practice, you centre your pupils’ happiness and health. Moreover, experiencing nature daily develops children’s understanding of and respect for the environment, and makes them aware of their right, and responsibility, to green spaces.

How do I create outdoor learning zones and reading corners in my school?

To support outdoor learning, you may consider creating a designated zone outside, where you and your fellow staff members can store resources and deliver lessons and activities. Creating an outdoor library is also a great alternative if you have limited indoor space for a new library or reading corner.

If you have the budget, solid wood sheds and huts can safely hold forest school books and outdoor resources, and provide space to sit, read, and learn.

Example of an outdoor reading zone in a school playground

Outdoor reading shed Outdoor cushions and mats (pack of 7)

For those with smaller budgets, we recommend water-resistant soft seating and mats. Items like our Earthy colours cushions are light and transportable, making them ideal for explorative lessons and activities.

Some water-resistant items can also be used indoors, which is a great money-saver if your reading zone or corridor library leads to your school's green spaces or playground. Our popular nature range includes soft seating shaped like toadstools, logs, and more, and is designed with indoor and outdoor use in mind.

What books do you recommend for supporting outdoor learning and reading outside?

If you're looking to stock up your outdoor reading library or zone, a good place to start are book packs. Our partner BooksForTopics has a book list specifically for early years and Key Stage 1 Forest School environments.

BooksForTopics: forest school books

	The big book of nature art, Yumal Zommer Connect creatively with nature using these 22 easy art activities inspired by the wild world outside.		Slow down: bring calm to a busy world, Rachel Williams and Freya Hartas Discover with your class 50 different magical transformations hidden in the natural world.
	Stanley's stick, John Hegley and Neal Layton Follow Stanley's lead and celebrate the power of imagination and play. Who knew a stick could be so many things!		Whose tracks in the snow?, Alexandra Milton Introduce pupils to various UK animals in this charming tale, accompanied by wildlife facts.