🌿 Why Outdoor Learning Works for 2–5 Year Olds
The early years (ages 2–5) are a period of rapid development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, wellbeing, and relationships. Increasingly, research highlights the role of outdoor environments in supporting children’s growth. Far from being just “playtime,” outdoor learning is a powerful tool for building resilience, independence, creativity, and health.
In Scotland, this approach is closely aligned with the Curriculum for Excellence, which emphasises play-based, experiential learning. Below, we’ll explore the evidence for why outdoor learning is so effective for young children.
🌱 Building Resilience Through Nature
The natural world exposes children to real experiences—weather, textures, and seasonal change—that can’t be replicated indoors.
Experiencing the elements (rain, wind, frost, sunshine) fosters adaptability.
Problem-solving in play (balancing, climbing, or rebuilding) develops persistence.
Small, repeated challenges build resilience and confidence.
📖 Research says: Gill (2007) highlights that “risky play” in natural environments helps children learn to manage uncertainty and develop resilience. Similarly, Fjørtoft (2004) found that children in outdoor kindergartens demonstrated higher motor fitness and adaptability than their indoor peers.
🪵 Independence in the Early Years
Independence grows through small, meaningful tasks. Outdoors, children constantly practise autonomy by:
Dressing in waterproofs and wellies.
Carrying and using natural materials.
Pouring drinks and sharing snacks outdoors.
📖 Research says: The Scottish Government (2016) states that early independence skills are key to school readiness. Trevarthen (2011) also emphasises that “self-chosen actions” in early childhood build confidence, motivation, and learning capacity.
🎨 Creativity Without Limits
The outdoors provides open-ended resources—sticks, mud, stones, leaves—that encourage imagination without preset rules.
A stick can be a wand, fishing rod, or tool.
Leaves become art, dens, or costumes.
Mud kitchens transform into cafés or potion labs.
📖 Research says: Weisberg et al. (2013) note that imaginative play supports flexible thinking and problem-solving. Meanwhile, Maynard & Waters (2007) found that outdoor play environments enhanced creativity and storytelling in early years settings.
💚 Health and Wellbeing Benefits
Outdoor learning offers clear benefits for physical, mental, and emotional health.
Physical health: Running, climbing, and balancing develop gross motor skills and coordination (Fjørtoft, 2001).
Mental wellbeing: Spending time in nature reduces stress and improves focus (White et al., 2019).
Connection to nature: Regular outdoor play encourages lifelong environmental stewardship (Chawla, 2015).
📖 Research says: The Growing Up in Scotland study (Scottish Government, 2013) highlights outdoor play as a key factor in children’s wellbeing, with links to healthier behaviours later in life.
📖 Linking to the Curriculum
Outdoor learning is not “extra”—it delivers the Curriculum for Excellence in meaningful ways:
Literacy: Storytelling, early writing in mud or sand, role-play in imaginative scenarios.
Numeracy: Counting pinecones, measuring puddles, comparing stick lengths.
Sciences: Observing insects, testing floating materials, noticing seasonal change.
Expressive arts: Using natural materials for music, art, and performance.
📖 Research says: The Education Scotland (2010) “Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning” framework states: “The core values of outdoor learning—challenge, enjoyment, relevance, depth—support children to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens, and effective contributors.”
🌳 Safety and Risk in Outdoor Play
One of the most common concerns about outdoor learning is safety. Researchers distinguish between hazard (something inherently unsafe) and risk (a challenge that can be managed).
Managed risk—such as climbing a tree, balancing on a log, or using tools under supervision—teaches children how to judge, assess, and navigate real-life challenges.
📖 Research says: Sandseter (2009) identifies six categories of “risky play” that contribute positively to development, including play at height, speed, or near natural elements. Far from being dangerous, these experiences help children learn self-regulation and risk assessment.
📌 Key Takeaways
Outdoor learning supports resilience, independence, creativity, and wellbeing in 2–5 year olds.
Play in nature builds real-life skills while delivering the Curriculum for Excellence.
Exposure to natural challenges and managed risk strengthens confidence and adaptability.
Research consistently shows that outdoor environments promote healthier, happier, and more resilient children.
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