Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Cultivating Healthy Schools: The Feasibility Of An Outdoor Classroom In A Public Elementary School, Erin Largo-Wight, Caroline A. Guardino, Katrina W. Hall

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Nature contact and time outdoors is critical for healthy child development and well-being and a disconnect from nature may be problematic. Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of a nature contact intervention for children – an outdoor classroom - in a public school. Methods: Two kindergarten classes participated in this mixed-methods case study (N=2 teachers, n=36 children aged 5-6) and used an outdoor classroom every other day for language arts lesson over a six weeks observation period. The two teachers in this case study completed a survey that assessed perceived practicality and feasibility of using the …