Researchers in Britain are telling schools that children should be doing more learning outdoors. The researchers say there is currently too much focus on sitting in classrooms to pass exams. They say outdoor learning is important for students' social skills, health and development. It also increases their quality of life. There have been five major reports over the past decade that stress the need for students to learn outdoors and experience nature more. The researchers say that schools are not taking the advice of these reports. They say outdoor learning is on the decline in Britain. The researchers want Britain's government to act to put outdoor learning on the curriculum of all schools.
The report is from researchers at the University of Plymouth and the organisation Natural England. It says there are many benefits of outdoor learning for children. One advantage is that it builds confidence in children as they experience things that were normal for their parents, like climbing trees. Another advantage is that it makes children more aware of the environment and teaches them to respect nature. There are also health benefits as children exercise more instead of sitting in a classroom or being at home with video games. A final benefit is that it helps with the problem of what is called 'stranger danger'. This is an idea many children in the UK today grow up hearing.
