Introduction: The Power of Learning Outside
In my experience as a Kindergarten teacher, I’ve seen firsthand the value of outdoor learning. Nature naturally invites curiosity—when a student asks, “What do ladybugs do?” or “Why are there so many leaves on the ground?” those are not just cute questions—they’re the beginning of real, meaningful learning. Children are born explorers, full of wonder, and as educators, it’s our job to nurture that curiosity and empower them to take learning into their own hands.
Outdoor learning isn’t just fun—it’s grounded in brain and developmental science. Being outside engages children’s senses, boosts memory, reduces stress, and makes learning more meaningful and memorable. It’s a dynamic, open-ended environment where kids thrive.
For me, bringing outdoor activities into our daily routine was inspired by a love for STEM and a desire to help students experience the world beyond worksheets. The outdoors encourages children to learn more, do more, and be more.
I believe learning doesn’t only happen inside four walls. In fact, some of the most memorable and impactful moments happen when children are allowed to explore freely, ask big questions, and connect with the world around them in real time. There’s something powerful about seeing students light up when they notice a bug under a rock or ask, “Can I write about what I found?”
Activity 1: Nature Scavenger Hunt
One of my favorite ways to explore science and observation skills with my students is through nature scavenger hunts. Equipped with clipboards, checklists, pencils, science notebooks, and magnifying glasses, my Kinders set out to discover items like “a leaf bigger than your hand,” “a flower,” “a rock with spots,” or “something round.” These hunts vary depending on the season and environment—whether we’re in the school garden or the playground.
Students love these hunts, and I love observing them in action. I learn who prefers teamwork and who enjoys working independently, who takes the lead, and who observes quietly. Academically, this simple activity hits many standards—science through observation, vocabulary building, math through comparison, and even writing when they record or illustrate their findings.
Activity 2: Sidewalk Chalk Games
Chalk is one of my go-to tools for outdoor learning. It’s simple, inexpensive, and opens the door for literacy, math, and creativity. We use chalk for number recognition, counting, shape games, and one of my personal favorites—Hopscotch Spelling.
Instead of numbers, we write letters or whole sight words in each square. As students hop through, they spell aloud—saying each letter as they land on it. Longer words stretch across multiple boards. This game supports letter-sound correspondence, builds confidence, and gets kids moving. It’s especially helpful for kinesthetic learners, and those with ADHD or autism who benefit from physical movement while learning.
One memorable moment was with Mia, a quiet student who rarely spoke in group settings. During Hopscotch Spelling, she suddenly called out each letter of the word “like” with confidence and pride. The whole class cheered, and it was one of those beautiful reminders that learning through play creates opportunities for children to find their voice.
Activity 3: Garden Time
We’re lucky to have a beautiful school garden with raised beds and planters filled with tomatoes, peppers, herbs, flowers, and even a lemon tree. My students planted tomatoes and peppers from seed—starting in cups, then transferring them to larger pots, and finally planting them outdoors.
Through gardening, students learned about plant needs, the role of wind, pest control with basil, and the importance of ladybugs. It was more than a science lesson—it became a study in responsibility, observation, and care. When children plant something with their own hands, they develop ownership and empathy. They also become more curious about the creatures and ecosystems around the garden, which leads to rich, spontaneous learning moments.
One of my students once said, “My plant is growing because I take care of it every day!” That simple statement showed me how deeply connected they had become to the process and the pride they took in their work.
Activity 4: Outdoor Storytime
When the weather allows, we take our read-alouds outdoors. My favorite setup is on a picnic blanket—sometimes the kids bring their own from home. Reading outside transforms a regular storytime into something magical. They’re more engaged, more attentive, and often make real-time connections to what they’re hearing.
Books about weather, animals, or plants are perfect for this setting. One student once interrupted to say, “Hey! That’s just like the flower we saw this morning!”—and that moment of recognition sparked a whole conversation about pollination. These kinds of intrinsic learning moments are what make outdoor learning so powerful.
Activity 5: Outdoor Centers & Free Play
Free play outside is just as important as structured learning. I set up various outdoor centers like sensory bins with water or sand, large building blocks, art stations, and open-ended play areas. These moments support all domains of development, especially social-emotional and cognitive growth.
During this time, I step back and observe—but I also engage with students by asking open-ended questions like, “What are you building?” or “Why did you choose that material?” It’s in these moments that I see creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving come to life.
Activity 6: Movement & Mindfulness
Movement is a daily necessity for young learners. I lead stretching sessions outside and occasionally practice mindful breathing or quiet listening exercises in nature. While mindfulness indoors can feel a little forced for young children, doing it outdoors sparks curiosity and calm.
Some of our favorite mindfulness activities include “bubble breaths” (deep breaths where we imagine blowing bubbles into the sky) and sound walks, where students close their eyes and try to name five different things they hear. These simple routines are calming, grounding, and help students refocus after high-energy play.
Being consistent with these routines helps students learn how to regulate themselves and transition more smoothly throughout the day. When kids are given space to move, breathe, and connect with nature, behavior and focus naturally improve.
Why It Matters
Outdoor learning is more than just a change of scenery—it’s an essential part of development. It supports emotional regulation, cognitive growth, motor skills, and builds meaningful, lasting connections between what students learn and the world around them.
I’ve seen students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically when given more opportunities to learn outside. It’s made me a more observant, creative, and responsive teacher. The outdoors has become one of my greatest teaching tools.
Encouragement for Educators and Parents
If you’re a teacher or parent feeling unsure about bringing learning outside, my advice is: start small. One chalk game, one story under a tree, one scavenger hunt. You don’t need a fancy garden or perfect weather. You just need curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to step outside.
Outdoor learning invites children to be active participants in their education—and that’s where the magic happens.
