Five reasons to take your homeschool lessons outdoors

The number of children who are homeschooled is on the rise. Research conducted in autumn 2023 , showed that about 92,000 children were in elective home education. That’s more than one in 100 children!

Home education doesn’t need to just happen at home. In fact, there are plenty of reasons to make the most of homeschooling’s flexibility and learn outdoors. If you’re home educating your child or want to learn more about outdoor education, here are just five reasons to encourage learning outside.

It’s an alternative way of learning

Some children learn best in an alternative setting to the classroom, like outdoor environments or in a home-based school. This is partly because both settings offer plenty of stimuli and the opportunity to take a hands-on approach.

As home education doesn't require a set curriculum to be followed , children are given the freedom to learn in a way that suits them. So, outdoor learning can be used to grow skills that aren’t formally assessed. Focussing on developing skills like initiative, problem solving, and independence reduces pressure and encourages children’s natural interests and abilities.

Being outdoors supports your child’s mental health

In a report published by the Department for Education, 13% of parents who homeschooled their children said that it was for mental health reasons.

Fortunately, being outside can help with this. Mind reported that spending time in green spaces benefits mental and physical wellbeing. It can improve your mood, reduce stress and loneliness, and help make you and your child feel more connected to nature. People who are more connected to nature also have higher levels of personal growth. So, make the most of the natural world’s mental health benefits and take your lesson outside.

Your child can make new friends

Home education isn’t a solo activity. There are plenty of ways for your child to get the same level of socialisation they’d have in a formal schooling environment. Visiting an outdoor or activity hub, like one of our centres, is an exciting way for your child to make new friends. They’re also excellent places for you as a parent and a teacher to form connections and become a part of a community.

They can try new things

One of the benefits of homeschooling is that you can have freedom to add outdoor adventure activities to your child’s education whenever you choose. These add risky play into day-to-day life which, despite the daunting name, is an important part of a child’s development. It includes activities where children can safely challenge themselves and experience risk, like climbing trees or archery. This type of play has been proven to develop children’s confidence and curiosity. While it’s unlikely that you have an archery range or a climbing wall in your back garden, there are plenty of places to try new forms of risky play. Visit one of our centres to try high ropes, windsurfing, skiing, and so much more.

It’s a way to develop soft skills

Outdoor learning has been found to boost confidence, communication, and motivation, as well as social skills. So, if you’re looking for a way to develop your child’s soft skills, outdoor learning is a good option. Activities like shelter building can help boost independence and problem solving, orienteering can build leadership and obstacle courses can help communication.