Let's Get Outside for 5
Whether it's a forest, a park, or just outside your school building, there is always something to learn in nature's classroom. Get started by taking the Outside for 5 pledge to invest in the health and well-being of your school community.
Join the Movement:
Calling all teachers, administrators, nonformal educators, parents, and more! Sign the OutsideFor5 Pledge and commit to:
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Spend at least 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week, or any meaningful amount of time learning outside with students.
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Support outdoor learning efforts in schools
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Connect with other local educators and outdoor professionals.
Sign the Pledge and enter to win outdoor learning resources!
Outside for 5
We know that students are juggling stressors that affect their mental health and productivity in the classroom. Studies show that spending even short amounts of time in nature can reduce stress, and improve mental health and retention. What's more, studies also show that learning outside can improve language arts, math, and science skills. So let's come together, get out of the classroom, and learn outside!
The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Affiliate Network is dedicated to providing excellence in environmental education. Together with partners and members across the country, we bring people together to create change and mobilize support for environmental education at all levels.
By the Numbers
Stanford researchers found a number of trends that demonstrate environmental education has a very positive impact on learning, motivation, skill-building, and empowerment. And the impact on both students and teachers is impressive. Read the full report here >
98%
of studies reported knowledge gains
90%
of studies reported increased skills
86%
of studies reported positive changes
83%
reported enhanced environment related behaviors
Project Learning Tree
Top Ten Tips for Teaching Outdoors
National Environmental Education Foundation
Using Technology to Connect Students and the Environment
Resources
Get inspired to start your Outside for 5 journey with a sampling of helpful resources and ideas for learning outdoors!
For at least 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week, or any meaningful amount of time, you can support the social-emotional wellness of your students, other educators, and your school community.
Find even more downloadable activities provided by our Partners:
Toby Hollin
5th and 6th Grade Science Teacher, Arkansas
I believe students learn better outdoors in hands-on activities that require them to think outside four walls. Going through every step of the process enables students to learn how to sustain and produce gardens of their own. The skills learned in our outdoor classroom will carry over to so many aspects of their lives! This also helps them maintain a healthy level of activity while learning important nutritional goals to set for themselves.
Tanya McCoy
After School and Youth Program Coordinator in Wyoming
It is important to incorporate outdoor learning because technology has increased, from screen time at home to screen time in the classroom, and kids need to disconnect to enjoy nature and our wonderful outdoor world.
Jessica Thieme
6th Grade English Teacher, Colorado
I hope that I am able to give my students unique learning experiences that will help them become curious learners throughout their life. I have taken my students on camping trips, overnight science, trips abroad, and taken my students outside during the regular class day. I have seen that by creating these experiences outside, students have gained self-confidence, a sense of self, self discipline, and problem-solving skills.
![IMG_5712[2].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b93856_c86e682e8c0e4ec68c37c72d373b7fcc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_150,h_200,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/IMG_5712%5B2%5D.jpg)
Dr. Marvin Wade
Superintendent
Kansas
As a superintendent, I wholeheartedly embrace efforts to ensure students develop healthy and effective “habits for a lifetime.” It is easy for me to support Outside for Five because it aligns with my long held belief that getting outside every day boosts productivity and improves mood.
See how teachers across the country are prioritizing students’ mental health, creativity, and cooperation, and check out how these educators incorporate Outside for 5 in their classrooms!
Inspiration
Partners
Outside for Five is proudly endorsed by the following affiliates and partners:
Join the Movement
Calling all teachers, administrators, nonformal educators, parents, and more! Sign the OutsideFor5 Pledge and commit to:
-
Spend at least 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week, or any meaningful amount of time learning outside with students.
-
Support outdoor learning efforts in schools
-
Connect with other local educators and outdoor professionals.
Sign the Pledge and be entered to win outdoor learning resources!
Sign the Pledge and be entered to win outdoor learning resources!
