Reconnecting with the Outdoors

It is well documented that mental and physical well-being for all ages can be improved through time spent outdoors. A recent study has linked increased urbanisation with the rise in depressive disorders amongst adults. Understandably, parents and teachers are concerned about whether our young people are spending enough time outside.

In South West schools, an initiative to increase outdoor learning found:

• Outdoor learning was more enjoyable for students and teachers

• 93% of schools reported improvements in pupils’ social skills

At Yes Futures we see clear evidence of the positive impact of outdoor education on our ‘Into the Wild’ weekends. These are always a highlight of our Finding Futures and Rising Futures programmes!

To encourage you to make the most of whatever outside space your school has, take a look at our favourite outdoor games.

Sources

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542519618300512

2. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/englands-largest-outdoor-learning-project-reveals-children-more-motivated-to-learn-when-outside