For years, I’d hear it at least once a week, like clockwork:
“Ms., can we go outside?”
The weather didn’t matter—rain, shine, or somewhere in between—my students always asked. My answer, however, was a consistent “no.”
We had a lovely quad area with tables that could easily fit a class, complete with a flower garden nurtured by the biology teacher and walls painted by the art students.
It was a small oasis nestled among the towering school buildings. But the idea of moving my entire class outside felt overwhelming.
I imagined chaos—students losing focus, getting up, wandering off. I wasn’t sure how to keep everyone in check, and it felt like too much to manage.
The Day Everything Changed 🌱
Then, one beautiful spring day, I surprised myself by saying:
“Okay, let’s go!”
The students’ faces lit up as they grabbed their Chromebooks, and we made our way outside. They were working on individual essay writing, which felt like the perfect opportunity to test it out.
I prepared myself for the chaos I had pictured in my head, but what I got instead was the exact opposite:
✨ Calm
✨ Engagement
Students breathe in fresh air, surrounded by a gentle breeze, quietly working and enjoying learning in a new environment. Outdoor learning significantly enhances their engagement.
That day changed the way I saw the possibilities of the classroom.
The Magic of Being Present Outdoors 🌳✨
Students thrive when they’re given the chance to be mindful and connect with their environment.
Let them be present in their surroundings. 👁️
They feel the breeze. 🌬
They bask in the warmth of the sun. ☀️
They listen to the gentle sounds of the outdoors. 🌳
Through these experiences, they learn to focus, reflect, and grow. 🧠
This kind of experience not only enhances their ability to be present but also fosters resilience, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. These moments outside can become powerful tools for self-expression and creative problem-solving.
Why Outdoor Learning Matters for Students 🏫🌲
Taking these steps to incorporate mindful practices into everyday routines has been transformative for my students. By embracing outdoor learning, student engagement has notably increased.
It has reinforced the importance of creating a connected and engaged classroom environment.
That’s why I’ve developed resources in my store that encourage students to explore their identity, develop empathy, and build resilience—skills that help them thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Bring the Outdoors into Your Lessons with Reflective Journaling 📓✨
For instance, my 50 Reflective Journal Prompts are perfect for taking learning outdoors.
And to give you a taste of how it works, I’m offering a free sample journal page—no sign-ups, no sign-ins, no strings attached.
✨✨ CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD and try it out with your students. ✨✨
If you like what you see, you can explore the FULL LESSON HERE, where you’ll find a complete set of prompts designed to inspire deep reflection, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement.
Imagine your students sitting outside, feeling the fresh air, and responding to thought-provoking quotes that touch on various aspects of learning—whether it’s building empathy, cultivating self-awareness, or honing their critical thinking.
These prompts can be used as a way to guide students to reflect deeply on themselves and the world around them, all while experiencing the calming benefits of nature.
Embrace the Change and Say “Yes!” to Outdoor Learning 🌿🧠
Being outside can change how students think, feel, and engage with their learning. Sometimes, a simple shift in environment is all it takes to spark creativity and connection.
✨ So, the next time you get that familiar question about Outdoor Learning for Student Engagement, maybe you’ll find yourself saying, “Okay, let’s go!” ✨
#CriticalThinking #SEL #MindfulLearning #OutdoorEducation #Journaling #Education #Students #Teachers
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