We are all aware of the famous proverb… “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”, writers Henry and Lucy concluded by the Irish novelist Maria Edge worth which says, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, All play and no work makes Jack a mere toy “. First line clearly explains that without time off from work, a person becomes both bored and boring. Second line means that only play without engaging the mind meaningfully does not help in learning. Education is all about the overall development of an individual. Therefore, there needs to be a balance between active engagements both Indoors and Outdoors to develop the mind, body and soul. Studies have revealed that outdoor education can be a key factor in avoiding childhood obesity. It helps learners be in natural surroundings that develop their senses and leads to physiological and psychological growth.
Throughout our long history, humans have been immersed in the outdoors, living and working as social groups to find out what we needed to survive and thrive. As a result our bodies and minds have been shaped and honed by all the complexities of the natural world. As adults we benefit greatly from being outside in fresh air and in contact with nature. However it is imperative that from birth, young children spend considerable amounts of time outdoors, bathed in the richness of this fascinating and complex environment. Many educators assume that outdoor learning is a subject, discipline or curriculum area, and some consider it as an approach to learning as just one of many tools in a teacher’s toolbox. For me it is about making the most of any place outside of the traditional school walls.
At Sunderji’s Nursery School, our curriculum focuses on the MIND, BODY, SOUL, philosophy, wherein the holistic development of every child is given utmost importance. To facilitate this, outdoor education is an essential part of everyday at school. Children are exposed to different activities at each grade as per the age and developmental stage of each child. We believe that learners should acquire practical knowledge at every step, therefore learners are taken to field trips, excursions, Edu-tours, storytelling in the lawn, art session ….. which opens up the minds of the learners and their creativity, imaginative and literary skills are expanded.
By Harmeet Anand Kaur, Educator, Sunderji Nursery School, India