This week, we decided not to go to the school and instead we went to the library and researched how best to ensure our outside learning area can be maintained in the future. To achieve this, we read a variety of books and online articles.
We also looked online to find a selection of different seeds which we could plant in the flower beds and what items to include in the learning area so that pupils and teachers can use the space effectively in the future.
We started by researching the effects that our area could have on the pupils and the reading clearly supported our initial idea that learning outside the classroom helps improve the pupils’ self-confidence in school (Fiskham and Jacobsen, 2012; English outdoor council, 2013). We also found research that suggested outside areas also help the pupils gain self-confidence and a sense of "capableness" along with learning new skills and knowledge in food growing (Green Hearted, 2012). Also, we found research that stated the impact that outside educational areas can have on pupils’ motivation and health which we believe to be important for schools to promote (Bachelor’s degree online, 2012). The research that we found also suggested that learning outside the classroom gives children contact with the natural world and offers them experiences that are unique to outdoors, such as direct contact with the weather and the seasons (Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, 2009). Playing and learning outside also helps children to understand and respect nature, the environment and the interdependence of humans, animals, plants, and life-cycles (Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, 2009).
We then decided to use the books that we found to figure out what we could include in our area to maximise the effect that the outside area can have on the pupils and the wider school community. The reading that we found stated that when providing an outdoor experience for the children, the wider community around the school can be a valued asset when it comes to developing and maintaining it (Welsh assembly government, 2012). Also, we wanted the area to provide all of the pupils the opportunity to acquire greater confidence and leadership skills through the use of the outside area (The Guardian, 2012). Outdoor learning environments have positive effects for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds as this will be something new to them, and it will help to learn and develop. These findings caused a group discussion about how we could influence the pupils within our project (The Guardian, 2012). We also found research from the Ofsted (2008) report 'How far should you go' which highlighted the importance that outdoor areas have on education for disadvantaged pupils (School Travel Forum, 2008). The report concluded that well-planned outdoor activities were significant in education because it ensures equal and full access for all learners, as all barriers to learning are removed (Ofsted 2008).
‘Gardening in schools encourages children to:
Become stronger, more active learners capable of thinking independently and adapting their skills and knowledge to new challenges at school and in future;
Gain a more resilient, confident and responsible approach to life so they can achieve their goals and play a positive role in society;
Learn vital job skills such as presentation skills, communication and team work, and fuel their entrepreneurial spirit;
Embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle as an important tool for success at school and beyond;
Develop the ability to work and communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds.’ (Growing in Schools, 2015)
‘Gardening offers all sorts of educational opportunities for children of all ages. They can learn about different plants, the parts of a plant and what they need to grow; different seasons and what changes happen outside throughout the year; reading and following instructions on seed packets; finding different animals and insects; finding out where food comes from; exploring outdoors and having adventures – the opportunities are endless.’ (ELF, 2018)
After planning to build an allotment and a quiet area, we wanted to understand if there were any benefits of growing crops in schools. The above quotes, link directly to the inclusion of allotments and their benefits in a school setting. Although maths and English are arguably the most important subjects, the wider curriculum subjects must not be disregarded. Developing children into well rounded adults should be at the centre of education, which can be achieved through learning outside. Young children have the opportunity to become more active learners and able to think independently through allotment gardens in schools. We wanted to create a garden with this in mind, therefore the idea of adding a table into the centre fitted in with the research we conducted. By having a table, in the centre we feel that the schools will be able to use this garden for educational purposes frequently, subsequently, the children will be developing their social, emotional and physical skills.
‘Benefits of Natural Outdoor Play and Learning Environments
Improves self-regulation
Advances physical fitness and gross motor development
Promotes cognitive development
Improves academic performance
Promotes self-confidence
Builds understanding and appreciation of ecosystems, food systems, and environmental processes’ (Cooper, p86, 2015)
As well as the garden being an allotment area, it is also going to be used as a learning and sitting area. The aim is for teachers to use this area in lessons to enhance the learning of all children. The quote above demonstrates the importance of outdoor learning as a whole. With children spending many hours in the classroom, it is important to take the learning into a new context and learn in a different environment. Outdoor learning has shown to improve academic performance for pupils, therefore the need of using the natural environment to learn must become more frequent in schools. The outdoor learning area we are planning to build has been refined to include the recommendations from the research, in order to be both enjoyable and educational for all children.