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<p>Safety in childcare, schools and universities is a core component of reopening plans.</p>
<p>Year 12 students in <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/schools-begin-the-slow-return-to-on-site-learning-20210924-p58uhq.html">Melbourne</a> go back to school this week, and there are staggered return plans for the rest of the year levels over the coming weeks. All students are set to return to the classroom full-time by November 5.</p>
<p>Regional <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/getting-regional-students-safely-back-classroom">Victorian students</a> have a different schedule with all students back in the classroom full-time by October 26.</p>
<p>NSW students will be <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-07/nsw-introduces-major-changes-to-covid-19-roadmap/100519894">returning to class</a> in a staggered fashion too. <a href="https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families#:%7E:text=Students%20will%20return%20to%20face,October%20%E2%80%93%20all%20remaining%20year%20groups.">Kindergarten, year 1 and year 12 students are</a> to return on October 18; all other grades will return on October 25.</p>
<p>Managing a safe return includes managing indoor classrooms via ventilation, sanitation and social distancing. But the NSW Education Department has said it will also support schools to use “<a href="https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/preparing-classrooms-for-students-return">outdoor learning areas</a>”. And the Victorian strategy <a href="https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covidsafe-ecec">includes advice for</a> early childhood centres and services to “move to an indoor/outdoor program (shifting to as much outdoor programming as possible)”.</p>
<p> ;</p>
<p>Moving classrooms outside is not a new idea. It has been done in past disease outbreaks such as tuberculosis and the Spanish flu. We can learn lessons from history and take pointers from international schools that have already made moves to learn outside.</p>
<h2>A history of outdoor education</h2>
<p>As <a href="https://www.history.com/news/school-outside-tuberculosis">tuberculosis</a> was spreading and taking a toll on children in the early 1900s, an open-air school movement was launched in Germany. In 1904, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldeschule">Waldschule (forest school)</a> opened in Berlin. Its success spread, with forest schools opening in Scandinavia and open-air schools in Britain. A nationwide movement for fresh-air schools was launched across the US a few years later.</p>
<p>In 1912 New York, a private school <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/17/nyregion/coronavirus-nyc-schools-reopening-outdoors.html">moved classes onto the roof</a>. Another school took up classes in an abandoned ferry and another in Central Park.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425130/original/file-20211006-27-1u94hk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=45&;auto=format&;w=1000&;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425130/original/file-20211006-27-1u94hk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=45&;auto=format&;w=754&;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425130/original/file-20211006-27-1u94hk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=45&;auto=format&;w=600&;h=456&;fit=crop&;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425130/original/file-20211006-27-1u94hk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=30&;auto=format&;w=600&;h=456&;fit=crop&;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425130/original/file-20211006-27-1u94hk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=15&;auto=format&;w=600&;h=456&;fit=crop&;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425130/original/file-20211006-27-1u94hk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=45&;auto=format&;w=754&;h=573&;fit=crop&;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425130/original/file-20211006-27-1u94hk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=30&;auto=format&;w=754&;h=573&;fit=crop&;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425130/original/file-20211006-27-1u94hk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=15&;auto=format&;w=754&;h=573&;fit=crop&;dpr=3 2262w" alt="Black and white historical photograph. Kids in winter clothes." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">During past disease outbreaks, many classes were held outside. This is an open-air school in South Boston, 1918.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://picryl.com/media/south-boston-mass-open-air-school">PICRYL</a></span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Schools around the world are now using outdoor classrooms again as a key strategy to mitigate the risks of COVID while remaining open.</p>
<p>The US <a href="https://www.greenschoolyards.org/covid-learn-outside">National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative</a> has been pushing for <a href="https://www.edsurge.com/news/2021-01-04-schools-turned-to-outdoor-learning-for-safe-equitable-instruction-in-2020-they-don-t-have-to-go-back">schools to have classrooms outdoors</a> and many have done so.</p>
<p>By last October New York City officials alone <a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/education/ny-outdoor-learning-nyc-schools-20201015-6aavvz6ftzdd3dhdx2ik24lgim-story.html">approved 1,100 proposals</a> for public school students to spend at least part of their day outdoors.</p>
<p>Some wanted to use their school grounds, closed down streets or take students to local parks for lessons. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/27/us/outdoor-classroom-design.html">Essex Street Academy</a>, a public secondary school in Lower Manhattan, was one of these schools. Students have been taking multiple classes on the expansive roof. According to the principal of the school, the roof of the vertical schools was designed as a school yard – so nothing needed to be adjusted.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425145/original/file-20211007-21-1spktgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=45&;auto=format&;w=1000&;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425145/original/file-20211007-21-1spktgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=45&;auto=format&;w=754&;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425145/original/file-20211007-21-1spktgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=45&;auto=format&;w=600&;h=356&;fit=crop&;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425145/original/file-20211007-21-1spktgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=30&;auto=format&;w=600&;h=356&;fit=crop&;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425145/original/file-20211007-21-1spktgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=15&;auto=format&;w=600&;h=356&;fit=crop&;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425145/original/file-20211007-21-1spktgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=45&;auto=format&;w=754&;h=448&;fit=crop&;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425145/original/file-20211007-21-1spktgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=30&;auto=format&;w=754&;h=448&;fit=crop&;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425145/original/file-20211007-21-1spktgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=15&;auto=format&;w=754&;h=448&;fit=crop&;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">École de plein air de Suresnes: a school near Paris built in a similar internal layout to that used in hospital architecture, with long window-lined hallways.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Suresnes_-_Ecole_de_plein_air_NB_10.jpg">Wikimedia Commons</a></span></figcaption></figure>
<p> ;</p>
<p>Without any specific directions, many teachers around Australia have also been heading outdoors. A K-1 primary teacher in NSW told me:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Since the pandemic, on the days I’m onsite, I keep the kids outside most of the day. We go into the garden and read stories, complete writing tasks, art and maths games – using the gardens as stimulus.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>A university lecturer in Victoria said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Last semester, to support social distancing and increase fresh air, I took classes outdoors. Our classroom was the campus grounds, a local park, the botanic gardens and the National Gallery.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Here are seven reasons why schools should be moving classes outside as much as possible.</p>
<h2>1. Being outdoors supports students’ health and well-being</h2>
<p>Being outside lowers the risk of transmission of the virus by making it easier to socially distance and providing better ventilation and fresh air.</p>
<p>It also supports students’ mental well-being. Research shows being outside has many positive health, social, emotional, ecological and learning <a href="https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/uploads/production/document/path/6/6811/Student_outcomes_and__natural_schooling_pathways_to_impact_2016.pdf">benefits</a> for students and staff.</p>
<h2>2. Setting up an outdoor classroom is relatively inexpensive and easy</h2>
<p>Compared to the other options such as opening up walls or windows in classrooms, installing ventilation systems or rotating home/school attendance to ensure smaller class numbers, moving outdoors can be implemented with limited resources.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425146/original/file-20211007-19-6latxd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=45&;auto=format&;w=1000&;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425146/original/file-20211007-19-6latxd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=45&;auto=format&;w=754&;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/425146/original/file-20211007-19-6latxd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=45&;auto=format&;w=600&;h=401&;fit=crop&;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425146/original/file-20211007-19-6latxd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=30&;auto=format&;w=600&;h=401&;fit=crop&;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425146/original/file-20211007-19-6latxd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=15&;auto=format&;w=600&;h=401&;fit=crop&;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425146/original/file-20211007-19-6latxd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=45&;auto=format&;w=754&;h=504&;fit=crop&;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425146/original/file-20211007-19-6latxd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=30&;auto=format&;w=754&;h=504&;fit=crop&;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/425146/original/file-20211007-19-6latxd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&;q=15&;auto=format&;w=754&;h=504&;fit=crop&;dpr=3 2262w" alt="Empty wooden chairs and tables in forest cleaing with blackboard at the front." /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">Learning outdoors has many health and social benefits.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/empty-outdoor-classroom-forest-black-classic-1977379202">Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure>
<h2>3. Outdoor classrooms may mean schools stay open</h2>
<p>Schools could safely accommodate more students by going outside. Therefore, there is less likelihood of disruption to the lives of students and families. By lowering risks once students return, schools are more reliably able to remain open.</p>
<h2>4. What is normally taught indoors can be adapted for outside</h2>
<p>For early childhood and primary school everything can be outside. Experiences overseas have shown well-resourced roof spaces or pavilions have overcome issues of special equipment.</p>
<p>The question should be what really <em>can’t</em> be taught outside rather than what <em>can</em> – that is the shorter list.</p>
<p> ;</p>
<h2>5. Schools can use a variety of outdoor options</h2>
<p>Permanent outdoor classrooms could be set up. Students could use the outdoors for one-off classes during the day, or schools can stagger class numbers by scheduling small groups inside and out throughout the day.</p>
<h2>6. Any space outdoors can be used</h2>
<p>Around the world, we’ve seen verandahs or external corridors, decks, courtyards, roof tops, school grounds, gardens, ovals, blocked-off streets on school boundaries, nearby local parks and playgrounds, and a <a href="https://www.academia.edu/415807/Every_Experience_Matters">vast array</a> of other local community spaces, such as beaches, forests and village centres, used as outdoor classrooms.</p>
<h2>7. Educators from outside the school can be used</h2>
<p>Educators from national parks, aquariums, museums, zoos and science centres are already trained in teaching outdoors and many have had limited work due to pandemic closures.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/168481/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p>
<h6><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/karen-malone-1244954">Karen Malone</a>, Professor, Environmental Sustainability and Childhood Studies, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology. </a></em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/schools-have-moved-outdoors-in-past-disease-outbreaks-here-are-7-reasons-to-do-it-again-168481">original article</a>.</h6>

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