As teachers, we know the classroom extends far beyond four walls. With the rise in outdoor learning, more and more of us are taking our students outside to connect with nature and bring lessons to life in ways that just aren’t possible indoors. But to make the most of an outdoor classroom, you need the right setup. Here are 10 things we believe every outdoor classroom should have.
1: Seating That Works For You
Seating is a big deal when you’re teaching outside. Think about what suits your style and your students’ needs. Benches are great for group discussions, while tree stumps or movable chairs can add a fun, flexible element. And don’t forget natural seating like logs or large stones—they blend right into the environment and keep things grounded (literally).
2: Nature Identification Guides
One of the best ways to get students engaged with and learn about their surroundings is through identification guides. Whether it’s plants, birds, or insects, having a set of waterproof or laminated guides on hand can turn a nature walk into a full-blown science lesson. Teaching students how to use these guides can empower them to independently explore and learn about their surroundings.
You’ve got supplies, tools, and probably more than a few books, so you’ll need a place to keep them safe from the elements. Weatherproof storage is a must for any outdoor classroom. Look for sturdy boxes or cabinets that can handle rain, wind, and whatever else nature throws at you. This way, you can keep everything organized and ready to go whenever you need it.
4: Raised Garden Beds
If you want to get your students’ hands dirty—in the best way possible—raised garden beds are the way to go. They’re perfect for teaching everything from plant biology to sustainability. Plus, gardening is a hands-on activity that kids really get into. Start with easy-to-grow, native plants or flowers that attract pollinators. It’s a great way to bring science lessons to life.
Sometimes, you just need a place to write things down, whether it’s to explain a concept, brainstorm ideas, or keep track of what you’re finding outside. An outdoor chalkboard or whiteboard is perfect for this. Go for a weather-resistant option that can handle the outdoor conditions, and place it somewhere central so everyone can see.
6: Pathways & Nature Trails (if possible)
This isn’t an option for everyone. However, creating clear pathways and trails is a great way to guide your students through your outdoor classroom. These can lead to different learning stations or interesting natural features. You might even want to add signs along the way that point out unique plants, insects, or rocks. It turns a simple walk into an educational journey, and the kids love it.
7: Pollinator Friendly Plants
Want to bring some life (literally) into your outdoor classroom? Pollinator-friendly plants are a must. Not only do they attract bees, butterflies, and birds, but they also offer a fantastic opportunity to teach students about ecosystems, pollination, and the importance of biodiversity. Plus, watching a butterfly land on a flower never gets old, no matter how many times you see it!
A sensory garden is a brilliant way to engage students on multiple levels. Fill it with plants that appeal to all the senses—think fragrant herbs, colorful flowers, and plants with interesting textures. This kind of garden is especially beneficial for younger students or those with sensory processing needs, but it’s something everyone will appreciate.
9: Water Feature
If you’ve got the space, a small water feature can add so much to your outdoor classroom. Whether it’s a pond, a stream, or even a simple birdbath, water attracts wildlife and creates a peaceful atmosphere. It’s also a fantastic tool for teaching about ecosystems, life cycles, and the importance of water in our environment. Just be sure to keep safety in mind and choose a feature that’s appropriate for your students.
Encourage your students to become stewards of the environment by creating habitats for local wildlife. Birdhouses, insect hotels, or even a pile of logs can provide shelter for various creatures. This not only helps local wildlife but also gives students a chance to observe animals up close and learn about their behaviors and needs. It’s an excellent way to bring lessons about ecology and conservation to life.
Creating an outdoor classroom is a wonderful way to make learning more dynamic and engaging. By incorporating these 10 elements, you can design a space that’s both functional and inspiring. So, start planning, get outside, and see how the natural world can enrich your students’ education.
10 Engaging Outdoor Number Lessons for Third Grade (Year 4)
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As teachers, we know the classroom extends far beyond four walls. With the rise in outdoor learning, more and more of us are taking our students outside to connect with nature and bring lessons to life in ways that just aren’t possible indoors. But to make the most of an outdoor classroom, you need the right setup. Here are 10 things we believe every outdoor classroom should have.
1: Seating That Works For You
Seating is a big deal when you’re teaching outside. Think about what suits your style and your students’ needs. Benches are great for group discussions, while tree stumps or movable chairs can add a fun, flexible element. And don’t forget natural seating like logs or large stones—they blend right into the environment and keep things grounded (literally).
2: Nature Identification Guides
One of the best ways to get students engaged with and learn about their surroundings is through identification guides. Whether it’s plants, birds, or insects, having a set of waterproof or laminated guides on hand can turn a nature walk into a full-blown science lesson. Teaching students how to use these guides can empower them to independently explore and learn about their surroundings.
We have created loads of Identification Guides for you to use in your outdoor space.
3: Waterproof Storage
You’ve got supplies, tools, and probably more than a few books, so you’ll need a place to keep them safe from the elements. Weatherproof storage is a must for any outdoor classroom. Look for sturdy boxes or cabinets that can handle rain, wind, and whatever else nature throws at you. This way, you can keep everything organized and ready to go whenever you need it.
4: Raised Garden Beds
If you want to get your students’ hands dirty—in the best way possible—raised garden beds are the way to go. They’re perfect for teaching everything from plant biology to sustainability. Plus, gardening is a hands-on activity that kids really get into. Start with easy-to-grow, native plants or flowers that attract pollinators. It’s a great way to bring science lessons to life.
We have loads of plant themed outdoor lessons. Check them out here.
5: Outdoor Chalkboard or Whiteboard
Sometimes, you just need a place to write things down, whether it’s to explain a concept, brainstorm ideas, or keep track of what you’re finding outside. An outdoor chalkboard or whiteboard is perfect for this. Go for a weather-resistant option that can handle the outdoor conditions, and place it somewhere central so everyone can see.
6: Pathways & Nature Trails (if possible)
This isn’t an option for everyone. However, creating clear pathways and trails is a great way to guide your students through your outdoor classroom. These can lead to different learning stations or interesting natural features. You might even want to add signs along the way that point out unique plants, insects, or rocks. It turns a simple walk into an educational journey, and the kids love it.
7: Pollinator Friendly Plants
Want to bring some life (literally) into your outdoor classroom? Pollinator-friendly plants are a must. Not only do they attract bees, butterflies, and birds, but they also offer a fantastic opportunity to teach students about ecosystems, pollination, and the importance of biodiversity. Plus, watching a butterfly land on a flower never gets old, no matter how many times you see it!
Check out some of our insect themed outdoor lessons here.
8: Sensory Garden
A sensory garden is a brilliant way to engage students on multiple levels. Fill it with plants that appeal to all the senses—think fragrant herbs, colorful flowers, and plants with interesting textures. This kind of garden is especially beneficial for younger students or those with sensory processing needs, but it’s something everyone will appreciate.
9: Water Feature
If you’ve got the space, a small water feature can add so much to your outdoor classroom. Whether it’s a pond, a stream, or even a simple birdbath, water attracts wildlife and creates a peaceful atmosphere. It’s also a fantastic tool for teaching about ecosystems, life cycles, and the importance of water in our environment. Just be sure to keep safety in mind and choose a feature that’s appropriate for your students.
Check out our underwater viewer science investigation. It’s a great activity if you’ve got access to a pond!
10: Wildlife Habitats
Encourage your students to become stewards of the environment by creating habitats for local wildlife. Birdhouses, insect hotels, or even a pile of logs can provide shelter for various creatures. This not only helps local wildlife but also gives students a chance to observe animals up close and learn about their behaviors and needs. It’s an excellent way to bring lessons about ecology and conservation to life.
Check out our ‘Insect Hotel’ science investigation.
Creating an outdoor classroom is a wonderful way to make learning more dynamic and engaging. By incorporating these 10 elements, you can design a space that’s both functional and inspiring. So, start planning, get outside, and see how the natural world can enrich your students’ education.
Adam