If outdoor education has 1 000 000 fans, I’m one of them. If outdoor education has 1 000 fans, I’m one of them. If outdoor education has 1 fan, it’s me. If outdoor education has 0 fans, I’m dead.
I love outdoor education. I want to get my master’s in outdoor education. I think that nature can teach kids about the world faster and more efficiently than a classroom ever could. Outdoor education reinforces physical health, improves mental health, increases focus and understanding, and all around, makes learning more engaging. Educating outside supplies real-world applications to all things science, math, history, and creates a connection between students and the land they reside on.
Additionally, the mental benefits of being outside are far superior than spending 7 hours sitting inside a box with fluorescent lights. Being outside exposes students to fresh air, vitamin D, and reduces sedentary behaviour. Time in nature also has a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety, while boosting mood and self-esteem.
Lastly, spending time learning in nature fosters a deep connection with the environment, creating a sense of responsibility among students. This leads students to respect the land around them, picking up litter, taking care of plants and animals, and overall fighting for the environment. In the time we live in, this is more important than ever. The environment can’t fight for or fix itself; instead, we must protect the environment ourselves.