Pictured above: Senator Sheikh Rahman (5th District) at the Georgia State Capitol

With strong bipartisan support, the Georgia State Senate recently adopted a resolution to create an Outdoor Learning Study Committee. Early this summer, Georgia Senator Sheikh Rahman (D), who authored the resolution, along with Senators Randy Roberson (R), Butch Miller (R), Mike Dugan (R), Gloria Butler (D), Tonya Anderson (D) and others will begin a statewide study tour to understand how outdoor learning might support the health, well-being and educational outcomes of all of Georgia’s children.

“Outdoor learning makes sense now and after COVID-19,” says Senator Rahman. “We know that airborne illnesses like COVID-19 are less likely to spread outdoors, so outdoor learning will allow our students to get back to in-person learning safely. We also know that outdoor learning improves children’s academic performance, focus and behavior—and helps inspire a love of learning. Expanding outdoor learning opportunities can help all of our students thrive.”

“As we think about how to return to school next fall, school grounds and the natural infrastructure that exist in every community can be activated for learning, along with professional development for teachers and school staff on how to effectively and safely move learning outside,” says Jaime Zaplatosch, Director of Green Schoolyards for Healthy Communities for the Children & Nature Network.  “We are excited to work with Senator Rahman, partners in the Atlanta Community Schoolyards Initiative, and residents across the state to ensure that all communities in Georgia have access to green schoolyards and outdoor learning.”

Mounting research shows that kids who learn and play in natural environments perform better in reading, math, science and social studies. They also score higher on standardized tests and see increased graduation rates1. And, economically disadvantaged students experience greater benefits from outdoor learning relative to other students2, which could help many children in both rural and urban communities across Georgia. Outdoor learning also supports the health and well-being of teachers; educators who take students outdoors to learn are less likely to burn out3. 

Beyond the safety benefits of outdoor learning during the pandemic, there are now hundreds of studies indicating that exploring, playing and learning in nature improves academic achievement, and that outdoor education can be more effective than indoor classroom instruction in improving cognitive functioning, creativity, attention and retention. In a brief integrative review of existing research, Kuo, et. al (2019) also found a preponderance of evidence indicating positive shifts in perseverance, problem solving, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork and resilience.

Schoolyards with natural features and spaces for outdoor learning can help kids feel better, and do better, in school.

The Georgia Senate resolution is part of a growing trend in the U.S. According to the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, there are at least 15 bills designed to increase outdoor education opportunities for youth being considered across the country during the 2021 legislative session.

Similar efforts include an Outdoor Recreation and Education Study Committee in Nebraska (LB605), a Task Force to promote Outdoor Classrooms in New Mexico (SM1), and environmental education and youth task force provisions in the New Hampshire omnibus bill (SB148). The pandemic has underscored the need for access to green space and many states are working to incorporate nature into school curriculua. Tennessee, Texas and Maine are among states that are using outdoor learning with great success to get students safely back to in-person instruction. North Carolina and Alaska are using CARES Act funding to support outdoor learning. 

“Through this Senate study committee, Georgia has an opportunity to shape lifelong learning, tapping into the incredible natural resources that exist in every community across the state,” says Jaime Zaplatosch.

Citations: 

  1. Leung et al., 2014
  2. Kuo et al., 2018
  3. Paddle and Gilliland, 2016
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Sarah Milligan-Toffler

Sarah Milligan-Toffler brings her passion for the healing power of nature to her role as President & CEO of the Children & Nature Network. She works with the Board and staff to establish a vision and plan for improving equitable access to the benefits of nature across the U.S. Prior to her work with C&NN, Sarah served as the Associate Executive Director at Wilderness Inquiry for 23 years. She is the recipient of the 2017 George B. Hartzog, Jr. Environmental Awards Program, Fran P. Mainella Award for sustained and innovative achievement by a woman in the management of North America’s natural, historic and cultural heritage. She earned a Bachelor of Philosophy with a minor in Women’s Studies from Miami University. Sarah lives outside of Atlanta, GA; she loves running outdoors every day, no matter the weather, and enjoys exploring the natural beauty that exists in every community.