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1904: The World's First Open-Air School Held Lessons
Tuberculosis did not stop schools from teaching. Instead, schools went outside. The first "open-air" school was held in Berlin. -
Forest Schools Started in 1927 in Wisconsin
Forest schools started with students in preschool and allowed students to learn in natural spaces. -
1940: The term "Outdoor Education" Appeared
The term "outdoor education" appeared and became prominent in America through the emphasis on natural experiences. -
1950: The Adoption of Forest Schools in Europe
Europe adopted "forest schools" in the 1950s and mainly involved children in their preschool years. -
Playgrounds Take the Place of Outdoor Classrooms
While school playgrounds have been used in America for over 100 years, many schools lost sight of the importance of outdoor learning in addition to outdoor playtime. -
Video: The Benefits of Outdoor Education
Watch this video to learn more about the benefits of outdoor education: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTssghAsVds -
VIDEO: Outdoor Classrooms During COVID
Watch this video to learn more about how schools used outdoor classrooms in the midst of a world-wide pandemic:
https://www.edutopia.org/video/how-build-your-own-outdoor-classroom -
2020: Schools Turned Back to Outdoor Learning During COVID-19: ARTICLE
Most schools shut down when COVID-19 struck America. In order for schools to return from virtual learning, many schools designated outside areas for learning and others actually built outdoor classrooms. https://www.edutopia.org/article/moving-your-classroom-outside-during-pandemic -
2021: Outdoor Mask Breaks
Even with the return to in-person learning, students and teachers were required to wear masks. Schools across America provided outdoor mask breaks and taught lessons outside where students could space out, take off their masks, and get fresh air. -
VIDEO: Moving Learning Outdoors
Watch this video to learn more about the benefits of outdoor learning and the importance of taking students outside: https://www.edutopia.org/video/7-tips-moving-learning-outside/ -
2022: Schools Continue the Use of Outdoor Classrooms: QUIZ
Now that masks are optional in most schools, many teachers and students are longing for the outdoor time that they have grown accustomed to. That is why many teachers are planning outdoor lessons again and continuing to use the outdoor classrooms. Take this quiz to see what you know about the benefits of outside time! https://study.com/academy/practice/quiz-worksheet-role-of-outdoor-play-physical-activity-in-child-development.html -
The Benefits of Outdoor Time: ARTICLE
This article highlights some of the benefits of outdoor learning in today's schools. Schools today are very much technology focused, so designated times to learn outside are needed. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/5-benefits-of-outdoor-education-michael-becker -
The Future is Outdoor Education
Many researchers believe that outdoor classrooms are the future. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many educators and schools believe that after seeing the benefits of taking students outside more, they should get back to doing so more often.