Passion Project: The Role of Outdoor Learning in Enhancing Student Well-Being
Hi! Welcome to my blog, I am currently a student in the Elementary Education Degree Program at the University of Victoria (UVIC), based at the College of the Rockies campus. As I move through my journey toward becoming an educator, I want to explore innovative and engaging ways to teach students beyond the walls of a traditional classroom. Outdoor learning, with its opportunities for movement, exploration, and connection to nature, has quickly become a topic I’m passionate about.
In this blog, I’ll be looking at how taking learning outside benefits students’ mental health, physical well-being, and academic growth while also creating excitement and curiosity around learning. My hope is that this blog becomes a source of inspiration, offering practical ideas, lesson connections, and insights for other educators who want to bring the outdoors into their teaching practice.
Why Outdoor Learning Matters
We know from experience and research that students thrive when they have the chance to move, explore, and connect with the world around them. Spending hours under fluorescent lights, seated at desks, can leave kids restless and disengaged. Stepping outside, even for short lessons can help reset emotions, reduce stress, boost focus, and encourage physical activity.
More than that, outdoor learning helps students build stronger relationships, develop problem-solving skills, and see learning as something dynamic rather than static. It combines physical movement, academic exploration, and emotional well-being in ways that benefit all learners, especially those who might struggle in traditional classroom settings.
What You’ll Find in This Blog
Over the next seven entries, I’ll explore different ways outdoor learning supports students and give practical ideas for teachers. Each post will focus on a unique aspect of learning outdoors, including both the benefits and specific examples of what this might look like in a real classroom.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming:
- The Mental Health Boost of Nature – How outdoor learning reduces anxiety, improves mood, and helps students regulate emotions.
- Physical Health and Active Learning – Why movement matters and how outdoor activities fight sedentary habits in schools.
- Academic Benefits of Outdoor Classrooms – Exploring how fresh air and open spaces can improve focus, problem-solving, and creativity in subjects like math, science, and literacy.
- Building Social Skills and Classroom Community – How outdoor learning fosters teamwork, cooperation, and relationship building.
- Connecting with the Environment – Encouraging students to care about nature and develop environmental stewardship through hands-on experiences.
- Practical Tips for Teachers – Strategies for planning, managing, and assessing outdoor learning experiences in any school setting.
By the end of this series, I hope to show that outdoor learning is more than just a break from routine it’s a powerful approach to education that supports healthy minds, active bodies, and engaged learners.
So come along with me as I explore the many ways that taking learning outside can transform classrooms, enrich lessons, and support student well-being.
