Page 154 - HBEC4303_flipTest

140  TOPIC 9 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
world where they see nature only through windows, in pictures or on television.
This is a big loss to children as the outdoors offers a lot of benefits, such as:
(a) Unpredictable Moments
There are a lot of unpredictable things happening outdoors. Spotting nature is one of the most unpredictable things that can take place in the outdoors. In contrast to life indoors, the outdoor world is an evolving, changing and exciting experience.
(b) Bountiful Opportunities
Nature is full of shapes, sizes, colours, textures and other varieties of things. Outdoor activities provide wonderful learning experiences such as adventures in cognitive development of recognising things through touch to know which are hard, soft, fragile, heavy, light, smooth or rough.
(c) Beautiful Scenery
The outdoors is a great place to experience some beautiful scenery. Natural wonders provide magnificent scenery which cannot be found indoors. Crawling ants, rainbows after the rains, blooming flowers, and rain dripping from the roof are part of the beautiful scenery outside. By seeing these, children gain unforgettable precious experiences.
(d) Multi-dimensional Place
Multi-dimensional places provide children with experiences that create a strong foundation for future learning. While playing outdoors, they get to lie on grass, play in puddles and rain, and hide behind trees. They learn how to climb little hills and manoeuvre their body downhill.
(e) Real Thing
In the outdoors children get real-life experiences such as lying on the grass staring at the clouds moving, watching flowers or the falling leaves. They climb trees, listen to the birds chirping, and spot birds in trees.
(f) Healing and Nourishment
Life would be meaningless without being able to enjoy the sun or breathe in fresh air. Children need the outdoors and nature to present challenges which they can use as part of their learning experience. The outdoors provides opportunities for children to discover nature with happiness.
Copyright © Open University Malaysia (OUM)