ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the value and benefits of children experiencing outdoor environments and of developing learning beyond the classroom. It identifies opportunities in our own planning and teaching to make effective and enjoyable use of outdoor spaces. Local community help was enlisted, with parents wielding spades and a grandfather giving a talk about how to grow vegetables, to help the children design and create their vegetable garden. The chapter examines plan to support the holistic development of children in our class through learning outdoors and helps to provide the motivation and confidence to teach outside. Planning for learning and teaching outside involves meeting the standards for teaching, including, ‘setting high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils’, planning and teaching ‘well-structured lessons’ and ‘managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment’. Additionally, more than 69 per cent of teachers surveyed claimed that outdoor learning had a positive impact on their teaching, professional development and job satisfaction.
