Learning outside the classroom.

"The use of places other than the classroom for teaching and learning", quote from Archibald McLeish.

Learning outside the classroom creates links to what we learn inside the classroom because its sometimes difficult to teach effectively without the right surroundings. It uses surroundings and the community to create a framework for learning while developing further their skills and knowledge.

For example, it's ok to show pictures of a house, a block of flats and a post office but when they go on what they would call 'an adventure' or 'a day out', they remember the differences better because they actually the building with their own eyes!

Children between the ages of 3 an 7 are at their most curious stage so it is the best time to get out of the classroom and explore and learn from a first hand experience of what nature has to offer.

Learning outside the classroom builds bridges between the theory and the reality. It develops personal and social skills. The children can also be more aware of what dangers there are in the world outside the safety of the school premises, being taught to hold hands with your partner and look left/right before crossing the road. They gain responsibility through this and it prepares them for the geographical side of their future studies.
I believe in this cross-curricular idea, I think its brilliant that it mixes it up from just being in the classroom and motivates children to go out and explore with things that are natural. why not count apples on real trees instead of laminated apples on a cardboard tree. Feel the leaves, look at the different colours and the different types. It maintains their interest when they are given new and exciting things to do.
One task I remember doing at school was choosing a location and making that chosen location into a framed picture using materials. I chose Parc Howard Mansion in Llanelli, I used twigs and real leaves that I collected when we visited and I used foil for the steps because the steps were grey. If we think back to real life learning we have done and think how it made us feel to go and do these exciting things, it must be right to continue it and share the excitement.
I think that Physical Education (PE) is one of the best subjects to have in education because it keeps children active and teaches them a variety of new skills that they can apply to everyday life especially in future occupations. PE doesn't involve written work but still requires the children to focus and follow basic instructions. They can run freely, learn rhythm and coordination by simply throwing a tennis ball back and fourth. It helps with numbers if for example you were measuring the distance of how far a ball was thrown or the amount of laps you were to run.
Learning outside the classroom should be made compulsory for at least an hour a week. It could be something that they look forward to and motivate from and would have a massive impact on every child's education, in my opinion.