Why Blake Should Have Class Outside

The class is rowdy. They want to get out of their seats. No one is paying attention. The teacher can’t teach anything because someone interrupts every few seconds. The students want a break from the 70-minute class period. Every teacher has experienced this scenario. A simple, effective, yet overlooked way to solve this problem is to have class outside.

This doesn’t mean that students will have recess instead of class. They will simply have the class, using the same curriculum, outside. Blake already has many outdoor spaces that are perfect for classes, such as the courtyard and the outdoor classroom.

Having class outside has other benefits, too. It allows students to be away from screens, though, if necessary for the class, students can bring them outside. One study, conducted by scientist Ming Kuo, showed that having class outside not only increases students’ attention for that class but also increases their attention for the next.

Some teachers, such as Mr. Dan LeJeune, the Middle School choral director, already integrate outdoor learning into their classes. LeJeune says that “it’s simply a matter of giving students space to practice and develop their skills in a way that fosters better listening and better hearing. That doesn’t replace what we do [inside]. It’s in addition to [it].” Mr. LeJeune takes students outside for three reasons: to build their musical independence, to play instruments and sing songs a capella, and to have them develop performing skills that mimic being on a stage.

In practice, “Each class is a different size, so in order to send them out I have to have a plan and I have to have directions, and so I set it up,” LeJeune says. And some outdoor spaces work better than others. LeJeune prefers spaces far from windows, such as the area outside science teacher Mr. Joe Xiong’s room, “because there’s no disruption to the teachers” or students in other classes. LeJeune also brings students to the courtyard, outdoor classroom, entry hall, and Bovey Chapel.

Blake already has the infrastructure to support outdoor learning, and it would benefit teachers and students. Teachers like Mr. LeJeune use going outside as a tool to help students focus, while giving them fresh air. Teachers should start integrating going outside into their curriculum.