Outdoor learning covers such a wide area of discovery, experimentation, and a connection with nature through learning about the wildlife and plants. It is also about adventure pursuits and sports activities.
Outdoor learning is for people of all ages and abilities and is about enabling them to learn about themselves through reflecting on what they have learnt, how they can improve on ideas and actions, because of the knowledge that they have gained.
Charles Dickens (2003) once stated that “nature gives to every time and season, some beauties of its own.” Outdoor learning is about taking in the beauty that is nature and doing activities and exercise within nature. Outdoor learning is a very team orientated approach, which enhances understanding and appreciation of nature. It is about climbing mountains, smelling blossoms, feeling the real force of water, sailing on the open see, campfires and stories, even down to jumping into puddles on a wet day.
The future of learning is to improve on knowledge and realise that even in our professional lives and personal lives, anyone can value and be encouraged to reach their potential and know their strengths and weaknesses.
A few experiences I have had with regards to outdoor learning is through taking part in water sports activities and going on hikes up mountains and walking through paths. These water sports activities include stand up paddle boarding in both the sea and on rivers, also surfing and coasteering in the sea. These activities are related to outdoor learning as they taught me to realise my strengths and weaknesses, to respect the wildness of rivers and the sea, to risk assess and to enjoy working as a team and participating in a group activity, which gave up time to reflect upon our experiences.
For outdoor learning, I decided to create my own bird feeder for my garden. This bird feeder included having a recycled plastic bottle, string, two wooden spoons, a screw hook and bird food. Firstly, I created a hole in the lid using the screw hook, I also secured the hook with sellotape. I then made four holes in the sides of the bottle and put the wooden spoons inside, ensuring that the wooden spoons are on a slight slant as the bird food would have to come out naturally. Next, I put the bird food into the bottle and then I put the lid back onto the bottle and tied string around the hook of the screw. Lastly, I hung the bird feeder in the tree to be used. This is related to outdoor learning as it is about preserving wildlife, nature and plants, also it is very focused on looking at endangered species and how in our gardens at home and in school, we can help with their survival.