How to Design an Outdoor Classroom
As schools begin to recognize that the best learning often takes place outside the traditional, structured classroom environment, outdoor classrooms are becoming increasingly popular.
According to the Green Building Alliance, outdoor classrooms can play a role in improving academic outcomes and promoting the social and emotional health of both students and teachers. Educators and administrators who are interested in designing and installing outdoor classrooms at their schools should create a strategic plan that prioritizes the leading outdoor classroom equipment.
Choose the Right Location
Before you can begin designing your outdoor classroom and installing it on school property, you will need to decide exactly where this outdoor learning space should be located on your campus. It is important to select a location that will be comfortable, private, secure and inviting, giving kids a safe space to complete their classwork while enjoying the natural environment.
Proximity to Main Building
In most cases, you will want to select an outdoor classroom location that is not far away from the main building. Proximity is key to creating an accessible, safe and secure outdoor classroom environment.
Natural Elements
The purpose of creating an outdoor learning space is to provide children and teachers with increased exposure to the natural elements, but you will want to be thoughtful and strategic about selecting the right location. As you choose the location, you will want to keep in mind shade, wind protection, and noise pollution.
Power Sources
Despite the fact that you are designing an outdoor learning environment, you will likely still need to use digital learning tools in this natural space. Finding a spot that has options for providing power and choosing an area that is located near outlets will allow your educators and students to transition from the traditional classroom to the outdoor classroom with ease.
Plan the Layout
After you have found the perfect spot for your outdoor classroom, you will want to begin planning and designing the overall layout. This is your opportunity to get creative, because there is no standard blueprint for an outdoor learning environment. You have the freedom and flexibility to create a layout that works for your school and for your student population.
Install Outdoor Furniture
Once you have found the perfect location and designed an innovative plan, it is time to begin installing the outdoor furniture for your classroom. For this learning environment, you will want to avoid the traditional desks and chairs that are used indoors, and instead, think outside the box a little bit.
Choose the Right Furniture
The furniture that you choose will play a key component in the overall success of your outdoor classroom. As this is a learning environment, you will want to choose furniture that allows children to sit, read and complete their coursework. Some of the top furniture items for an outdoor classroom include:
- Heavy Duty Picnic Table — Picnic tables are commonly used in outdoor learning environments because they promote collaborative learning while allowing students to sit in a designated space where they can complete their coursework. You should have a variety of picnic table sizes and styles available in your outdoor classroom, be sure to include accessible tables and routes.
- Commercial Benches — Outdoor benches can give children a space where they can relax, observe and read in the outdoor classroom.
- Outdoor Classroom Desk — Create an inviting and efficient outdoor work area with our Outdoor Classroom Desks, where design meets durability for a workspace that stands up to the demands of outdoor use. Designed to foster separation between users, this 6' table features two circular seats, allowing individuals to work comfortably while maintaining a sense of personal space.
In addition to a heavy duty picnic table and commercial benches, you also will want to consider flexible seating areas that accommodate learners of all ages and abilities. Flexible seating, such as individual seats or standing workspaces, allow children to find a place to work outdoors that best meets their own personal needs.
Weather Considerations
Your outdoor learning environment will be an all-season destination, so it's critically important to invest in heavy-duty, commercial-grade furniture. Whether your region is exposed to extreme heat, heavy rain or winter snow, you will need to consider the weather conditions as you purchase furniture.
Flexible Arrangements
An outdoor classroom should be a flexible and versatile learning environment, and as such, you will want to select furniture that can be moved or reconfigured based on the needs of the teacher. If you opt for in-ground or surface-mounted furniture, you will want to strategically place those items so that they can be used in the best possible way.
Integrate Educational Elements
After the furniture has been purchased and installed, you can begin incorporating educational elements and amenities into the design. Some of the most important educational elements to consider include:
- Portable Equipment — Mobile technology is essential in today's modern educational landscape. Your outdoor classroom should be able to accommodate tablets or portable projectors, which are often used to enhance lessons and improve digital literacy among students.
- Outdoor Chalkboards or Whiteboards — These educational features can be permanently installed in an outdoor classroom, giving teachers the ability to conduct an entire lesson outside. Outdoor chalkboards and whiteboards also give students the ability to write and draw outside, and are often used when students have free time during their outdoor lessons.
As you choose educational elements for your outdoor classroom, you will want to prioritize the needs of the student population at your school.
Contact UltraSite for a Quote on Outdoor Furniture for Your Outdoor Classroom
At UltraSite, we specialize in high-quality commercial outdoor furniture for facilities around the world, including schools. Whether you are in need of a heavy-duty picnic table or a commercial bench for your flexible seating arrangement, you will find that we offer the equipment you need to create an engaging and welcoming outdoor classroom. Request your complimentary quote today.