Orterra: How Outdoor Spaces Help Improve Behaviour in School Grounds
Schools are complex social environments where children develop academically, socially, and emotionally. The design of outdoor spaces plays a crucial role in shaping student behaviour, fostering positive interactions, and promoting well-being. Research indicates that well-designed outdoor environments improve behaviour, reduce conflict, and enhance learning outcomes.
Encouraging Positive Social Interaction
Outdoor spaces provide opportunities for unstructured play, essential for social development. Students interacting in natural environments develop communication skills, cooperation, and empathy. Dyment and Bell found that schoolgrounds with diverse natural features promote inclusive play and reduce bullying compared to conventional asphalt playgrounds. Nature play areas, sensory gardens, and varied seating arrangements create inclusive spaces that encourage positive engagement.
Reducing Stress and Enhancing Emotional Regulation
Spending time in nature reduces stress and supports emotional regulation. The Attention Restoration Theory coined by Kaplan suggests natural environments restore cognitive function and improve focus, benefiting students with behavioural challenges. Green spaces lower cortisol levels, fostering a calmer school environment. Greenery and quiet retreat spaces help students self-regulate and decompress.
Encouraging Physical Activity
Well-designed outdoor spaces encourage movement, helping manage excess energy. Pellegrini and Smith in their study highlight physical activity’s role in reducing disruptive behaviour. When students have access to creative play, equipment, and open spaces, they engage in positive peer interactions rather than conflict. Schools providing varied movement opportunities report fewer disciplinary incidents and improved classroom behaviour.
Enhancing Focus and Classroom Engagement
Outdoor learning spaces improve concentration and academic performance. Time in outdoor environments enhances attention spans and cognitive flexibility. Engaging with natural elements helps students return to the classroom more focused. Schools integrating outdoor classrooms, nature trails, and garden-based learning programs see increased student engagement and fewer behavioural disruptions.
Designing School Grounds for Behavioural Benefits
To maximise the benefits of outdoor spaces, schools should consider:
- Varied Play Zones: Providing active, creative, and quiet play areas.
- Green Infrastructure: Adding trees, gardens, and shaded areas for a calming effect.
- Inclusive Design: Ensuring accessibility for all students, including those with disabilities and trauma.
- Opportunities for Risk and Challenge: Allowing safe exploration builds confidence and resilience.
Outdoor spaces are more than just play areas; they are vital for a positive school environment. Thoughtfully designed schoolgrounds improve behaviour, reduce stress, and support social and emotional development. Investing in outdoor learning and play fosters a harmonious atmosphere benefiting both students and educators.
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