Building on our focus last week of zero waste and trying to embrace the dry, occasional sunny days of November, we started to reflect on the benefits of taking our learning outside and back to nature, recognising the incredible mental, emotional, and physical benefits that time outdoors provides. Breaking free from classroom walls, we explore how nature can become our greatest teacher.
Spending time in natural environments has proven benefits, especially for young people, by fostering relaxation, focus, and overall wellbeing.
Here’s what we’ve discovered:
1. Boosts Mood with “Happy Chemicals”
Nature has a remarkable way of improving our mood. Whether it’s feeling the warmth of the sun, watching leaves dance in the breeze, or hearing birdsong, these experiences stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin—our “happy chemicals.” Activities like journaling about the colours we see, painting rocks we have collected or practicing mindfulness under the open sky engage “soft fascination,” calming the brain, reducing stress, and sparking creativity.
2. Builds Sensory Integration for Neurodivergent Youth
Nature offers dynamic opportunities to climb, balance, or simply feel the textures of the earth. These activities stimulate proprioceptive (body awareness) and vestibular (balance) systems, which are especially beneficial for neurodivergent young people. Simple actions like walking barefoot on grass or balancing on logs can support sensory integration, creating a sense of stability and focus.
3. Nurtures Proactive Mental Health
Being outdoors naturally reduces cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, while fostering connection and calm. Exploring woodlands, discovering insects, or even just sitting quietly in a field nurtures emotional resilience, grounding young people and helping them manage life’s everyday challenges.
Taking Learning Beyond Walls;
This week, we’ve woven nature into our learning activities, combining fun with purposeful engagement:
• Art & Creativity: Creating land art with leaves, twigs, and stones.
• Science & Curiosity: Identifying local wildlife and understanding ecosystems.
• Mindfulness & Movement:
Walks outside, finding relaxation in nature.
Let’s celebrate nature not only as a setting for play but as a cornerstone for holistic education. With every step taken outdoors, we’re fostering resilient, curious, and connected individuals—ready to thrive in any environment.
