Get Outdoors: How outdoor space can help provide an educational environment for your little ones

Half term is upon us, but with schools still closed due to the latest lockdown and the majority of UK teaching still happening remotely, parents and carers across the country having to step in to help both educate and engage their children, alongside balancing their own work load, even after half term ends.

Whilst there looks to be hope upon the horizon for those eager to return to classroom learning in 2021, for now, keeping children entertained whilst still maintaining a level of learning they will be receptive to is key.

Partly owing to the turbulence of the past year, anxiety, stress and other related mental health conditions amongst youngsters is reportedly on the up, and according to a new study from NHS Digital (2020) suggests one in six school aged children now has a mental health problem, compared to one in nine, three years ago.

And it’s not just children who have found the past year to be a challenge, as a recent study from the University of Oxford which surveyed 6,000 UK parents, has shown that stress, depression, and anxiety had increased since the start of the latest lockdown alone, with single parents highlighted as being hit.

As such, getting outside into the fresh air, has never been so important, with historic studies showing that taking time to step outside your home and experience nature in some format can have seriously positive effects when it comes to our mental health.

Whether it be on a balcony, in a yard, or if you’re lucky enough to have green space, in the garden, both the mental and physical wellbeing of adults and children alike can benefit from spending time in the fresh air.

Outdoor activities don’t need to be strenuous, and by spending time in the outdoor space available close to home can be a great way to incorporate learning, exercise and much needed downtime with ease.

Growing your own is a project that can be returned to time and again to allow children to watch the life cycle of a plant, as well as enjoying the fruits of their labour, depending on your plant of choice.

A recent survey from Premier Polytunnels, revealed the most popular plants grown by Brits in 2020, and included tomatoes (49%), roses (42%) and Daffodils (39%), which all thrive in British weather, offering an easy starting point for those looking to attempt gardening for the first time.

The top 10 plants grown by green-fingered Brits in 2020 were:

Tomatoes (49%)
Roses (42%)
Daffodils (39%)
Mint (36%)
Strawberries (33%)
Potatoes (32%)
Fuchsias (31%)
Tulips (31%)
Sunflowers (30%)
Rosemary (25%)