Now here is a day that every child and teacher should take part in: Outdoor Classroom Day, which will take place on May 18.
It will be celebrated internationally. Over 350,000 students have already signed up.
Outdoor Classroom Day is a day to celebrate and inspire outdoor learning and play. On Thursday 18 May 2017, thousands of schools around the world will take lessons outside and prioritise playtime.
Why? Outdoor learning improves children’s health, engages them with learning and leads to a greater connection with nature. Play not only teaches critical life skills such as resilience, teamwork and creativity, but is central to children’s enjoyment of childhood.
No one seems to be making a buck on this idea; it is wholesome and good for everyone.
It is a welcome change from testing and test prep.
Strike a blow for play and exploration of nature.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Yes, wonderful, but how do we test for this? Small minds need to know!
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Scandinavians have a tradition of “udeskole” or nature school which is part of the regular curriculum. Many parents also bundle up babies and put them outside, which they believe, contributes to better health and well being. In schools outdoor study, an understanding of the natural world, promotes an understanding of and appreciation for nature. As a result, Scandinavians tend to look for environmentally friendly solutions. A few years ago IKEA made the decision to no longer provide plastic bags out of respect for the natural world. https://www.childrenandnature.org/2013/02/12/udeskole-in-scandinavia-teaching-learning-in-natural-places/
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Thanks, Diane. Better than being inside and being Common Cored to death. Maybe our young will become better observers.
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Every day should be an outdoor classroom day.
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At some schools, this is already the case.
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I was going to cynically note that the day takes place after all the tests have concluded, but then noticed that it’s an international event.
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