Outdoor learning games for children

Outdoor learning activities are a dynamic way to teach children different concepts while keeping children active and engaged. Combining fresh air, movement, and creative problem-solving helps kids develop skills that extend beyond the classroom. In this article, we will explore some exciting outdoor learning games for children. We will also look at the outdoor learning benefits and how programs like Reading Eggs and Mathseeds can help you make these activities more effective.

What is Outdoor Learning?

Outdoor learning is an educational approach. It moves lessons from the traditional classroom setting into natural, outdoor environments. These activities allow children to explore the world around them while applying concepts they have learned. Whether it’s counting flowers in the garden, using leaves for a science experiment or playing educational games, outdoor learning provides an active and fun way to reinforce classroom lessons.

Why Outdoor Learning Matters

There are several outdoor learning benefits that impact both a child’s physical and mental well-being. Outdoor activities help improve:

• Physical health: Running, jumping and climbing outdoors improve children’s motor skills and physical fitness.
• Mental health: Being outdoors has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety in children.
• Cognitive skills: Engaging with nature boosts curiosity and observational skills.
• Social skills: Many outdoor learning activities encourage teamwork and collaboration.

With these benefits in mind, it’s clear why incorporating outdoor learning into a child’s routine is so valuable. 

Exciting Outdoor Learning Games for Children

Here are some of the best outdoor learning games that you can try with your kids:

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

This game encourages children to explore their surroundings while applying what they have learned. You can create a list of items for the children to find. Your list may include things like a feather, a flower or a specific type of leaf. For younger children, ask them to collect items based on colours or shapes. For older children, you can include more challenging tasks. You may tell them to spot different plant species or count certain insects.

Outdoor learning activities like these engage children physically. Additionally, they also improve their observational and critical thinking skills.

2. Maths in the Park

One way to bring maths lessons outdoors is by organising games. Games such as hopscotch or relay races that involve counting are perfect for this. Here is an idea that you try- set up numbered cones around a park. Then, gather the children to solve maths problems as they run to each cone. This is a fun way to improve numeracy skills while keeping kids active.

3. Alphabet Relay

In this game, you can combine play elements like running and racing with learning alphabets. Get a bunch of cards with letters, and set the children ready to collect the cards. But, they must race to collect them! You may replace the cards with objects that start with a certain letter. Not only does this game improve literacy skills but it also encourages teamwork and collaboration. It’s a great example of how outdoor learning games can combine physical activity with learning.

4. Outdoor Science Experiments

Outdoor settings offer the perfect backdrop for simple science experiments. On a sunny morning, you can lead your little scientists to the garden. Ask them to explore the different elements of the garden. For example, they may see the effects of sunlight on different objects.  You may give them magnifying glasses to examine leaves and bugs. This hands-on learning deepens their understanding of the natural world, making science both exciting and relatable.

5. Obstacle Course with a Twist

In this one, the children would get to experience the thrill of going through an obstacle course. But, you can give this an educational twist. Design an obstacle with riddles or questions at each stage. Whether it’s spelling out a word, solving a maths problem or identifying a tree. As the children go through the course, they will also keep learning and solving the riddles. This game adds an educational element to a fun, physical activity.

How Reading Eggs and Mathseeds Can Help Teachers

If you are an educator looking for ways to incorporate outdoor learning activities into your teaching plans, Reading Eggs and Mathseeds offers an excellent resource. This platform, known for enhancing literacy and numeracy skills through engaging digital activities, can also assist in ideating fun outdoor activities.

Resources for Educators

Reading Eggs and Mathseeds come equipped with a teacher dashboard that provides learning plans based on the progress of each student. Teachers can use this data to tailor outdoor learning experiences. This feature allows teachers to bridge the gap between digital and outdoor learning, ensuring that children benefit from a well-rounded educational experience.

Conclusion

Incorporating outdoor learning activities into your child’s routine doesn’t just provide an opportunity to escape the classroom—it enriches their learning experiences in meaningful ways. The outdoor learning benefits range from physical health improvements to enhanced cognitive and social skills. By playing outdoor learning games kids can learn while having fun.

For educators looking to enhance these activities, Reading Eggs and Mathseeds offer valuable tools through their teacher dashboard, helping teachers ideate engaging outdoor activities that align with each child’s progress. By using both outdoor and digital learning methods, we can foster a love for learning that will last a lifetime.  You can also check the list of indoor games.