Theresa Frisbie
Director of Lower School
As an eternal optimist, I have looked for the silver linings in the havoc COVID has caused over the last year, and one exciting benefit in the world of education is the renewed emphasis on the benefits of outdoor learning for children. For years, research has been continually emerging on outdoor learning and the advantages it provides students including:
Reducing stress
Increasing intrinsic motivation
Increasing physical activity
Increased concentration
Outdoor learning provides students with the opportunities to collaborate, problem solve and think creatively. Students must rely on one another, and instead of adults “fixing” problems for students, they come to rely upon their own ingenuity, gaining confidence in themselves and each other.
At AOA, we have always included outdoor learning to a degree in our curriculum, especially in our Lower School Science Labs. Our Science Instructor takes students all over our 300 acres on explorations of forests, meadows and a large river. Just hiking to the point of the lesson calms anxiety and brightens moods. Students have been challenged to build bridges, find animal tracks, identify birds and reptiles, look for water erosion and much more, all while being physical and out in the fresh air. Studies show this increases cortisol which in turn affects concentration and mood in a positive way.
Over the last year, we have expanded our use of our campus and the outdoors to mitigate the COVID virus and, even when we are no longer worrying about the spread of COVID, we have found this expanded use of our outdoor spaces so beneficial for our students that we will continue these opportunities indefinitely. Some activities and spaces have challenged students to problem solve and take risks in new ways while other spaces have just allowed us to take indoor activities outside, like our new log circle on campus. Classes have used the log circle for discussions, debates, presentations, outdoor band and more. Working outside on beautiful days enhances everyone’s moods and we notice a more positive energy in our students.
As summer approaches and you hope to keep your children’s learning continuing over vacation, nothing beats spending time outdoors. From playing outside, to structured activities, to reading a good book under a tree, students’ mental, physical and emotional health will benefit and grow. I encourage you to “push” your children outside whenever possible. Enjoy!
