Reconnecting with nature and the outdoors
The simple act of stepping outdoors can feel surprisingly powerful, especially in a world that is increasingly fast-paced and digital. For young children, the outdoors is not just a place to let off steam, but a rich, sensory learning environment that supports every aspect of their development. For practitioners, going outside offers a change from the usual and a chance to engage in new learning or traditional learning in exciting new ways.
This is why initiatives such as Outdoor Classroom Day have become so important. Held twice a year, this global movement encourages schools and early years settings to take learning outside and recognise the value of nature in children’s lives. This year, it falls on Thursday 21st May with a second day on 5th November. But while one dedicated day is a wonderful starting point, the real impact comes when outdoor learning becomes part of everyday practice.
What is Outdoor Classroom Day?
Outdoor Classroom Day began as a campaign to get children outdoors for learning and play but now involves thousands of schools and settings across the world.
The aims are simple but powerful:
- To increase time spent learning outdoors
- To improve children’s health and well-being
- To develop a deeper connection with nature
- To encourage creativity, curiosity, and independence
You can find more information and resources on the official website at:
https://outdoorclassroomday.com.
For early years practitioners, the message aligns closely with the EYFS framework which suggests that children learn best through active, hands-on experiences, and the outdoor environment provides endless opportunities for this.
Reconnecting with nature matters
Compared to previous generations, many children today have fewer opportunities to explore the natural world. Busy family lives, safety concerns, and increased screen time all contribute to this. Yet time outdoors supports:
- Physical development through movement, climbing, and coordination
- Communication through shared exploration and imaginative play
- Emotional wellbeing through calm, open spaces and sensory experiences
- Understanding of the world through real, meaningful encounters
There is also growing evidence that time in nature can reduce stress and improve concentration, something we often see reflected in children who are calmer, more engaged, and more curious when learning outdoors. And above all else, it’s fun!
Practical ideas for taking EYFS learning outdoors
Rather than seeing outdoor learning as an ‘extra’, it can be woven into all seven areas of EYFS learning. Here are some simple, practical ideas you can use in your setting.
- Communication and language
Take storytelling outside. Sit under a tree or in a quiet corner and read a story based on the outdoors, then invite children to retell it using natural props such as sticks, leaves, and stones.
You could also:
- Listen for natural noises and describe sounds
- Introduce new vocabulary linked to nature
- Encourage conversations about what children notice
- Physical development
The outdoors naturally supports gross motor skills, but this can be extended further with purposeful activities.
Try:
- Creating obstacle courses using logs, tyres, and planks
- Practising balancing on uneven surfaces or climbing trees (with safe but managed risk assessments)
- Digging, carrying, and building
Fine motor skills can also be developed through activities such as picking up small objects, threading leaves, or using tools in a mud kitchen.
- Personal, social, and emotional development
Outdoor spaces can feel less restrictive and more calming for many children.
You could:
- Create a quiet ‘reflection space’ outdoors where children are invited to listen to nature or do some mindfulness activities such as slower breathing
- Encourage cooperative play through den building
- Support turn-taking with shared resources
Spending time outdoors also helps children develop resilience as they navigate small risks and challenges so it’s important to assess risk but not eliminate challenge.
- Literacy
Literacy outdoors can feel more engaging and meaningful.
Ideas include:
- Writing in sand, mud, or with water and brushes
- Creating nature-based story prompts or poems
- Making signs or labels for outdoor areas or following a trail/treasure hunt using clues
You might also hide letters around the garden for children to find and match, for example, “e” for earth, or “t” for tree.
- Mathematics
The natural world is full of mathematical opportunities and patterns that can support the teaching of early maths concepts.
Try:
- Counting leaves, stones, or flowers
- Build a sundial
- Sorting objects by size, shape, or colour
- Exploring patterns in nature such as flower petals, leaves or clouds
You can also introduce simple measuring or direction activities using sticks or footprints
- Understanding the world
This is where outdoor learning really comes into its own as you explore the wonderful outdoor environment.
Encourage children to:
- Observe and record changes in the weather and seasons
- Experiment with creating water courses
- Plant seeds, nurture them and watch them grow
- Explore minibeasts and habitats
These real-life experiences help children build a genuine understanding of the world around them.
- Expressive arts and design
Nature is a wonderful source of inspiration for creativity and has inspired creative souls for generations.
You could:
- Create natural collages using found materials
- Make music with sticks, stones, and outdoor objects
- Encourage imaginative play or creative movement inspired by nature (e.g. how animals move)
Making outdoors learning manageable for staff
One of the biggest barriers to outdoor learning is the feeling that it requires a lot of extra planning or resources. In reality, it can be quite the opposite although you should still observe and follow health and safety protocols. You can easily start small by:
- Taking one activity, you already do indoors and move it outside
- Using what you already have rather than buying new equipment
- Building outdoor time into your daily routine
It is also important to ensure staff feel confident and supported. Sharing ideas, modelling practice, and celebrating successes can all help to build a positive outdoor learning culture.
Looking beyond one day
Outdoor Classroom Day is a brilliant opportunity to raise awareness and try something new, but the real value lies in what happens afterwards. Ask yourself how you can make outdoor learning part of your everyday practice. It may mean making some small changes to your timetables or rotas, but it will be worth the effort. Think too about how you can involve your children in shaping their own outdoor environment, asking for suggestions and ideas. Even small, consistent changes can have a lasting impact.
Remember that reconnecting with nature does not require a forest or a large outdoor space. It simply requires a shift in mindset where you see the outdoors as a place for learning, not just play, which can open up a whole new world of fun and exploration literally on your doorstep.
Other articles:
Learning Outdoors: Your Grab Bag!
Singing in the sunshine: taking early years music outdoors
What is Outdoor Learning?
