Learning to be around nature has a considerable impact on the cognitive, behavioural and emotional development of preschoolers. This is especially important considering the state of climate change and the fact that a generation that was raised in the outdoor is more likely to care for the environment and for our planet. Outdoor  education is an innovative teaching approach that offers the possibility to address two of the most important topics of today’s society: providing long-lasting high quality education and raising awareness on the importance of preserving our planet in the face of the daunting threat of climate change.

​The new edition of the course “Outdoor education for preschool teachers” took place in Bologna from 24/11/2024 to 30/11/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with Marie, Karolina, Ulrika, Sara  and Jessica from Luleå Kommun förskola in Sweden, Iva and Svetlana from DG 17 Mecho Puh in the Bulgaria.

Starting from the definition of Outdoor Education, we analyzed and discussed the benefits of Outdoor Education and the participants had the chance to share their own experience with teaching in nature. Because this course was specifically addressed to preschool teachers, the participants also learnt about the Italian education system and shared a presentation of their own schools in order to compare their different methods and approaches. 

One of the highlights of the course was the practical sessions held in nature. The first outdoor activity took place in Villa Ghigi Park, where participants engaged in collaboration games, team-building exercises, and activities designed to enhance the use of the five senses. These inclusion games provided valuable insights into how outdoor activities can foster social and sensory development, inspiring the participants to adapt these activities for their own classrooms.

The course also included a visit to a local outdoor preschool called Naturalmente Bambini, which offered a firsthand look at outdoor education in action. The visit featured a discussion with an educator who is an expert in outdoor education, providing participants with a deeper understanding of how outdoor learning can be effectively integrated into early childhood education.

Another important session focused on how to safely design and plan outdoor activities. Participants explored the risks and dangers associated with outdoor education and learned practical tips on how to design activities that are both safe and engaging. This session provided educators with the tools to plan outdoor experiences that are both enriching and secure for their students.

In addition to these activities, the course offered another outdoor session in the hotel garden, where participants engaged in a variety of subject-specific activities, including games and exercises related to mathematics, geography, art, and science. This hands-on session demonstrated how  outdoor spaces  can be used creatively to teach a range of subjects.

The course also included a segment on green skills and sustainability. Participants learned about climate change theory and were introduced to various strategies for talking about sustainability with young children. The session provided educators with practical tips and games to help them introduce environmental topics to their students in an engaging and accessible way.

The final part of the course was dedicated to wrap-up activities, including evaluation and the presentation of certificates. Through this course, participants were able to explore a wide range of activities that they can take back to their classrooms. The course highlighted how outdoor learning can extend beyond traditional classroom walls, showing that learning happens just as effectively—and often more naturally—outside!
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Discover more about this course here.