By planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers, creating meadows, butterfly gardens and other theme areas on school grounds, learning opportunities literally come alive. Click here to see some examples.

Children spend an average of 25% of their school day outside. Yet, too often school grounds are windswept, treeless asphalt, concrete, or turf grass surrounded by chain link fence.

The result is what experts are now calling “Nature Deficit Disorder,” based on a growing body of research linking our mental, physical, and spiritual health directly to our association with nature.

Just as children need good nutrition and adequate sleep to be healthy and happy, they need contact with nature.

Outdoor classrooms provide students with a healthy, hands-on place to play, learn and develop a genuine respect for nature and each other. Check out the research.

For Students

• More meaningful play and learning
• Safer outdoor environment
• More gender-neutral play
• Lower exposure to toxins
• Hands-on experience of the curriculum
• Better understanding of cultural differences

For Teachers

• New curriculum connections
• Renewed enthusiasm for teaching and learning
• New reasons to go outside
• Fewer discipline and classroom problems

For Community

• Active involvement for parents
• Healthier local environment
• Engaged neighbours and businesses
• Financial savings

For Schools

• Better curriculum connections
• Fewer disciplinary problems
• Less absenteeism and dropping out
• Reduced anti-social behaviour