Sunshine and Learning

Since about first grade, I have been that persistent student that tends to demand that my classes be held outside. Not so surprising since sunshine is basically my favorite thing ever. I have been successful in this mission about two, maybe three times. Once in college during a literature class and a couple times in my high school German class. I am a firm believer that students of any age can learn better when they can look up and see blue skies rather than popcorn-tiled ceilings and feel plush, green grass around them rather than cold, hard desks and carpet that may or may not strongly resemble vomit. And hearing birds and wind rippling through trees is far superior than the annoying hum of an air conditioner.

I found this article sent to me by bachelorsdegreeonline.com very pertinent to my stance on learning in an outdoor setting. The article highlights the positive results of learning outside and is titled, "11 Proven Benefits of Outdoor Learning." All the reasons indicated could be translated into why people should simply spend more time outside even without your nose buried in a book.

I have favorites on the list however. Number 9 is "Increases self reliance." Delving into the outdoors usually means you don't have all the regular amenities of the indoors readily available, thus you not only have to be patient in others, but in yourself. Developing patience in oneself simultaneously develops self reliance.

Number 10 is my ultimate goal in any setting I find myself in; "Community improvement." For example, the four days I spent with a group kayaking down the Missouri River definitely bonded us. And because of that mutual respect we had developed for our group members we were able to successfully find other means of shelter when a terrific storm unexpectedly blew up and destroyed three of our tents.