Introduction
When we moved from Melbourne to the Byron region (fortuitously, the year before Covid hit), there were many things I expected—beach life, warmth, shoeless hippie types, and small-town vibes. But what I wasn't expecting, aside from midgies, mould, and incessant rain, was a whole lot of outdoor education
Our youngest, Shepard, started bush school straight away, and his little kinder—very Steiner-esque (but not Steiner)—spent most of their days outdoors, roaming. Weekly beach walks were part of the curriculum, and many classes were held outside.
We eventually moved back to Melbourne (classic “girl out of the city” tale). I do love my Melbourne, but one of the things I miss (even more than the Mullum hugs) is the kids doing outdoor classes! So, as we often do—taking cues from our kids’ lives and turning them into business ideas—we decided we should absolutely create outdoor classrooms for schools across Australia to get kids outside more. And so, we did.
But don’t just take it from me, a lady trying to peddle her wares. I wanted to put together this article to showcase the incredible outdoor education initiatives happening around the world. It truly is a breath of fresh air!
OUTDOOR EDUCATION IS SUPER POPULAR AROUND THE WORLD
We all know kids thrive when they get outside—climbing, running, digging in the dirt, and just being in nature. But around the world, schools are taking this idea to the next level, turning the great outdoors into their classrooms. Countries like Scandinavia, Japan, Germany, and Australia have been leading the charge, proving that fresh air and learning go hand in hand. And here’s the best part: it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Outdoor education fosters creativity, problem-solving, resilience, and a deep connection to the environment, and schools everywhere are finding ways to make it happen. So, let’s dive into some of the most inspiring outdoor education models from around the world—and see how we can bring more of that magic to schools here.
Scandinavian Forest Schools: Where Nature is the Classroom
Overview
In Scandinavia, kids aren’t just encouraged to play outside—they practically live outdoors. Rain, snow, or sunshine, forest schools in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland believe that nature is the best teacher. Instead of being stuck inside all day, children spend most of their time exploring the woods, climbing trees, and learning through hands-on discovery.
KEY lessons
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Year-Round Outdoor Learning: Whether it’s -10°C or a sunny day, kids are out and about, learning resilience and adaptability.
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Play-Based Exploration: Forget rigid lesson plans—here, curiosity leads the way.
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Eco-Consciousness: Kids develop a lifelong love and respect for nature by experiencing it firsthand.
Additional resources
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A Brief History of Forest Schools Around The World – A deep dive into the origins of forest schools in Denmark and Sweden.
Practical Takeaways for Schools
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Start small: Take one class outside per day.
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Use school gardens, parks, or even a patch of grass as an outdoor learning hub.
Japan’s Satoyama Education: Blending Tradition with Outdoor Learning
Overview
In Japan, schools embrace the ancient concept of Satoyama, where nature and human life exist in harmony. It’s not just about getting outside—it’s about weaving nature into everyday learning. Kids plant rice, tend school gardens, and learn the traditions of sustainable living passed down through generations.
KEY lessons
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Hands-on Farming: Students learn where food comes from and develop responsibility by tending gardens.
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Cultural Connection: Nature and heritage go hand in hand, teaching kids to respect both.
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Sustainability in Action: Education meets real-world application as students see the impact of their actions on the environment.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
practical takeaways for schools
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Start a small garden where kids can plant and harvest food.
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Bring history and science outdoors by exploring native plants and ecosystems.
Germany’s Waldkindergartens: Learning Without Walls
Overview
In Germany, many kindergartens have ditched the four walls altogether. Waldkindergartens (forest kindergartens) believe that kids don’t need desks to learn—they need trees, open spaces, and a sense of adventure. No traditional classrooms here, just pure, unstructured exploration.
KEY lessons
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Confidence & Risk-Taking: Kids learn to navigate nature independently, fostering self-reliance.
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Creativity & Problem-Solving: No slides or plastic toys—just sticks, stones, and imagination.
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Proven Benefits: Research shows these kids develop stronger motor skills and focus compared to their indoor peers.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
practical takeaways for schools
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Set up a “loose parts” play area with logs, rocks, and branches.
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Give students unstructured time outside to let their creativity flow.
BRINGING OUTDOOR LEARNING TO YOUR SCHOOL: PRACTICAL STEPS
1. Start with a Vision
- Get teachers, parents, and students excited about outdoor education.
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Identify existing spaces that can be transformed into learning areas.
2. Create Simple Outdoor Learning Spaces
- Think shade shelters, seating, and garden beds—no need for expensive builds.
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Castle & Cubby’s Outdoor Classrooms can help schools make it happen.
3. Develop Outdoor Curriculum Opportunities
- Take reading time outside.
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Teach science with hands-on nature experiments.
4. Gain Community Support
- Seek funding from local businesses, grants, and school fundraising efforts.
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Get parents involved with gardening and play space projects.
5. Encourage Outdoor Free Play
- Set up “loose parts” zones with logs and branches.
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Let kids explore, climb, and create.
HOW CASTLE & CUBBY CAN HELP
- Outdoor Classrooms: Thoughtfully designed spaces that make outdoor learning easy.
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Shade Shelters & Seating: Comfortable, nature-inspired learning areas.
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Garden Beds & Play Elements: Hands-on sustainability in action.
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Custom Solutions: Tailored designs for every school’s needs.
CONCLUSION
The verdict is in—outdoor education is a game-changer. Whether it’s Scandinavian forest schools, Japanese Satoyama learning, German Waldkindergartens, or Australian bush programs, the benefits are undeniable. And the best part? You don’t need a huge budget to make it happen. With practical steps and a little creativity, schools can easily embrace outdoor learning.
And if you’re looking for a little help? Castle & Cubby’s Outdoor Classrooms are here to make that dream a reality.