Here, we explore some of the ways schools can strike a balance between time spent indoors and outdoors to help combat the negative effects of Covid-19 and ensure pupil wellbeing remains a top priority.
In line with government advice, pupils are spending more time in the same classrooms to minimise movement around the school site and ensure social distancing measures can be adhered to. While this might be necessary from a logistical point of view, some pupils could become distracted and restless without a change of scenery or movement break, which, long term could have a detrimental impact on wellbeing, behaviour, and learning.
Nature walks
If you’re lucky enough to be within walking distance of a local park or nature trail, you could plan regular trips to explore the natural environment and provide pupils with an exciting off-site visit.
Last year, the Wildlife Trusts commissioned a study by the Institute of Education at UCL to understand more into the effects of outdoor activities on children’s wellbeing. Overall, the research revealed that children’s wellbeing increased after spending time connecting with nature, as well as highlighting a number of educational and social benefits.
In fact, 79 per cent felt their experience could help improve their school work, boost confidence and reported better relationships with their class-mates. Interestingly 81 per cent agreed that they also had better relationships with their teachers.
Invest in a marquee
Some public health experts are calling on schools to hire or invest in marquees as an alternative to the conventional classroom, realising the logistical challenges created by social distancing measures.
In the warmer weather schools could rely on spending time outdoors, but as the weather changes teachers will need undercover alternatives to ensure learning can continue. Not only will a marquee provide additional space, it’s also better ventilated and will offer pupils an exciting new learning environment.
Increased PE activities
In a previous blog we explored some of the ways you can support pupils and parents through Covid-19. There’s a huge number of studies that link the beneficial impact exercise can have on mental wellbeing, improving sleep patterns and helping to manage stress.
Why not consider adding in an additional PE lesson or two to the weekly timetable, to ensure pupils are keeping active and staying mentally and physically healthy. This extra time outdoors could actually lead to better focus in the classroom and boost educational outcomes, with children burning off additional energy, enjoying the fresh air, stretching their legs and interacting with friends outside of the classroom.
Think outside the box
There are a number of organisations dedicated to helping teachers better plan for and deliver outdoor learning, with the Institute for Outdoor Learning highlighting that time outside is most beneficial when interwoven within the formal school curriculum.
For example, problem solving activities can develop critical thinking, team building activities can enhance social skills and fieldwork will require strong literacy, numeracy and geography skills. By contacting specialist agencies for advice, you can better utilise the outdoor space available to you and provide an exciting learning environment for pupils of all ages.
A group of organisations is now calling on MPs to launch an inquiry into outdoor learning, with the leaders of 32 environmental and youth-focused groups writing to the Commons Education Select Committee, arguing that outdoor learning plays a key role in helping young people to feel mentally well - something that should be even more of a priority during such unprecedented times.