Comparison of 9 Nature-Based Learning Styles: Igniting Curiosity and Awe in the Outdoors
In a revolutionary shift in traditional education, nature-based learning is transforming classrooms by moving beyond the confines of four walls and into the great outdoors. This innovative approach offers a unique blend of experiential learning and self-directed exploration, catering to diverse learner types and fostering a strong emotional connection to the environment.
Nature programs, successful in various climates, implement specific weather protocols to ensure year-round outdoor learning. These include layered clothing systems, designated shelter spaces, and equipment like portable tarps and weather-appropriate learning materials.
One such nature-based learning style is Forest School, which emphasizes self-directed, hands-on activities in a natural environment. Activities such as raft making, den building, or climbing trees support learners by allowing them to explore at their own pace, fostering confidence, emotional regulation, collaboration, and resilience. Forest School is particularly beneficial for neurodivergent and diverse learning styles, offering an inclusive, flexible approach.
Farm School is another nature-based learning style that blends experiential learning with the rhythms of farm life. Activities like caring for animals, planting, and seasonal chores promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Farm School fosters social-emotional growth by connecting children to natural cycles and farm tasks, encouraging empathy, responsibility, teamwork, and emotional regulation.
Naturalistic Learning is a broader learning style that thrives when individuals interact with nature. Naturalistic learners often benefit from sensory experiences and observational learning, excelling in understanding and organizing natural phenomena. They can succeed in various settings that use nature as a learning tool.
Artistic experiences in nature-based learning help students develop observation skills, hand-eye coordination, and an appreciation for natural beauty. Forest schools embrace calculated risk-taking to build confidence and judgment skills, while Montessori nature education emphasizes using authentic natural materials to create meaningful learning experiences.
Strategic transition activities help students move smoothly between indoor and outdoor learning modes, such as morning nature walks, sensory bins filled with natural materials, and movement-based learning stations. Hybrid programs combine indoor classroom settings with outdoor learning spaces, allocating 40-60% of instructional time outdoors while maintaining structured indoor lessons for subjects like mathematics and advanced reading.
Place-based programs actively partner with local experts, naturalists, and environmental organizations to enrich student learning. These programs adapt their teaching methods based on local environments and community resources while maintaining core academic standards. The Reggio Emilia approach views outdoor spaces as essential learning environments that spark curiosity and inspire deep investigation.
Indigenous cultures embrace a holistic approach to nature education that spans generations, emphasizing oral storytelling, experiential learning, and community involvement in teaching environmental wisdom. Research shows that learning in natural settings enhances cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and emotional well-being.
Programs range from forest kindergartens that spend 100% of their time outdoors to hybrid models that balance indoor and outdoor learning. The Reggio Emilia approach uses natural elements like trees, rocks, water features, and gardens to create distinct learning zones.
Students in nature-based programs demonstrate improved concentration, attention spans, and memory retention compared to indoor-only learners. As we continue to explore and embrace these nature-based learning styles, we open up a world of opportunities for our children, fostering a lifelong love for learning and the environment.
References:
- Forest School Association
- Natural Learning Initiative
- Farm School
- Reggio Children
- Place-Based Education
Home-and-garden learning can be incorporated into nature-based programs through the use of weather-appropriate materials and portable tarps for shelter, allowing for year-round outdoor learning experiences.
Education-and-self-development programs like Forest School and Farm School often include activities that promote cognitive, emotional, and physical development, such as raft making, animal care, and observing natural phenomena. These learning styles foster a unique blend of experiential learning, self-direction, and emotional connection to the environment.
