Prioritizing Outdoor Learning

At Sunnyside Academy, we believe that all too often—especially as students get older—some of the most joyful and developmentally important parts of school are removed from educational programming. Regardless of a student’s age, ability, or academic level, outdoor time remains a vital part of our daily curriculum. Whether it’s a walk through the neighborhood, backyard games, gardening, or caring for our yard space, we recognize and prioritize the value of time spent outside as an essential part of learning.

Extensive research supports this approach. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Wildlife Federation, daily outdoor activity enhances cognitive functioning, reduces stress, improves attention spans, and supports emotional regulation in children and adolescents. Time spent in nature has also been shown to increase engagement, creativity, and physical health, while decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression. For students of all ages, being outdoors offers multi-sensory learning experiences and natural opportunities to explore science, build social skills, and reset mentally—making them more focused and ready to learn when they return to the classroom. At Sunnyside, these benefits are intentionally woven into our day because we understand that healthy, happy, and balanced learners are better prepared for long-term success.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3162362

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/AAP-encourages-families-to-get-outside.aspx

https://thegreenhour.org/about-green-hour/