Many primary schools and nurseries around the country go beyond the typical classroom and investigate the possibility of outdoor shelter canopies situated within the natural environment since they give numerous benefits to the children, staff, and school.
Outdoor classrooms will grow in popularity as they provide primary schools and nurseries with suitable, covered places for outdoor learning, socialisation, and play while adhering to the current Covid-19 standards.
Here are just a few of the reasons why outdoor classrooms should be encouraged in schools:
Canopies make learning a multi-sensory experience
Learning outside allows students to activate their senses of touch, smell, hearing, taste, and sight. This assists youngsters in retaining a physical memory of long-lasting activities.
Learning is shifting away from conventional textbooks and tools
Outdoor classrooms allow students to learn via direct experience rather than through more passive resources like textbooks, lectures, and the internet.
Children learn from the process as well as the result
Outdoor classroom instruction promotes more hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a natural setting. Rather than the solution or end, the process is what the students will learn from (often working in groups).
Encourages multi-disciplinary studies
Outdoor classrooms are ideal for teaching many academic disciplines in a single assignment (often without the children knowing it). Making a vegetable bed, for example, involves math, biology, writing, observation, and imagination.
Outdoor classrooms can be adaptable
Traditional classrooms often serve just one purpose – that of a school. However, an outdoor classroom space may be utilised for more than just teaching and learning. You can also use it for gatherings, quiet spaces, shelters, and waiting areas.
What are your choices for walkways and canopies?
Although a building is not required, the UK weather dictates that having a covered space is ideal. There are several choices to be made.
- What are your plans for the space?
- Is it necessary to locate it near natural areas or as part of a playground?
- Do you want it to be linked to or separate from the classroom?
- Do you have any underutilised spaces that might be transformed and put to good use?
- Is it an area that the kids will be able to utilise during their breaks?
- Is integrated seating required?
- What is your financial situation?
The sort of structure you choose will be determined by how you answer these questions.
A canopy at school may be quite beneficial. They are incredibly adaptable and may make a child ’s school experience much more enjoyable and satisfying. They not only create a fascinating and unique social area for children to enjoy playing, but they also serve as a handy learning environment for all weather situations. Furthermore, canopies and covered pathways are highly beneficial for social distancing, assisting staff and students by providing extra learning space.
Canopies of the Highest Quality for Your School or Workplace
Shelter Store’s covered canopies meet various budgets and demands while maintaining the highest quality and standards. All of our covered walkways are custom-made for you and can come in various colours and materials, including powder coating and 316 stainless steel for a premium look. Ideal for use in classrooms, workplaces, and public settings.