Let's Get Outside for 5 Big Benefits
The benefits of outdoor learning are clear—stronger academics, healthier bodies and minds, better social skills, and a lifelong connection to nature. Sign on today to show your support and drive action that makes outdoor learning a priority in schools and communities.
Join the Movement:
Do you believe every child deserves time to learn outside? Add your name and stand with educators, families, and advocates who know outdoor learning is essential.
By signing on, you’ll help us:
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Build visible, statewide support for outdoor learning in every school and community.
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Lift up stories from parents, teachers, and students about why learning outside matters.
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Build a connected network of outdoor learning advocates who are ready to take action.
Together, we can make sure every student can experience the five big benefits outdoor learning has to offer—whether it’s five minutes a day, five days a week, or part of your daily routine.
Outside for 5
Childhood is for exploring, discovering, and asking “what if?”—but too many kids spend their days indoors, missing the chance to grow and connect with the world around them.
Outdoor learning benefits every child—and it takes a whole community to make it part of every school day. Together, we can make outdoor learning the norm, not the exception and ensure that all students GET OUTSIDE for 5 big benefits including:
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Enhances Learning and Critical Thinking: Being outdoors boosts focus, creativity, and curiosity, which supports strong academic growth.
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Supports Mental and Emotional Health: Time outside reduces stress, builds confidence, and helps kids feel calmer and happier.
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Promotes Strong, Healthy Bodies: Outdoor play and movement improve coordination and overall physical well-being.
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Empowers Leadership, Collaboration, and Problem-solving Skills: Kids learn how to communicate, cooperate, and work through real-world challenges together.
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Inspires a Lifelong Connection and Care for Nature: Regular time outside helps kids feel connected to the natural world and encourages them to care for it as they grow.
There are lots of partners working to support YOU in making these benefits accessible to every student! 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_200,h_200,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_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
Nature Creation Showcase
Outdoor Facilitators, showcase YOUR students' talent. Our online artistry gallery is your opportunity to highlight how getting Outside For 5 inspired their artwork.
Submit creations today!
Submitted content will be reviewed and published as they are received.
Partners
Outside for Five is proudly endorsed by the following affiliates and partners:
Join the Movement
Do you believe every child deserves time to learn outside? Add your name and stand with educators, families, and advocates who know outdoor learning is essential.
By signing on, you’ll help us:
-
Build visible, statewide support for outdoor learning in every school and community.
-
Lift up stories from parents, teachers, and students about why learning outside matters.
-
Build a connected network of outdoor learning advocates who are ready to take action.
Together, we can make sure every student can experience the five big benefits outdoor learning has to offer—whether it’s five minutes a day, five days a week, or part of your daily routine.
