Orterra: Three Reasons Teachers Don’t Teach Outdoors

There is a saying amongst outdoor educators that there is no bad weather to teach in. Living in Queensland, our climate allows teachers to teach outdoors most of the year. So, what is stopping them?

After working with schools and kindergartens for many years, my discussions with teachers have revealed three common arguments that consistently arise. These are the main reasons teachers are hesitant to teach outdoors:

1) “We have nowhere to do it.”

While all schools have places where teachers can take students, many teachers feel they lack suitable, comfortable spaces for outdoor teaching.

Common concerns include:

No shade/no sun
Too noisy
Too close to other classrooms
Too windy

Design takeaway: Schools need a variety of different types and sizes of outdoor spaces, spread across the grounds. One space cannot cover all scenarios. Teachers may need a large area for group activities that is away from other classes to allow for noise. Other times, smaller, quiet spaces for group reading or focused activities are necessary. Flexibility is key when designing these spaces, but each will have its limitations.

2) “We do not have the resources.”

Teaching outdoors often requires specific resources not typically found in classrooms. Examples include:

Outdoor blackboards or whiteboards
Seating logs, carpet squares, or permanent tables
Tray tables or portable seating options

Design takeaway: Resources must be easily accessible and durable. Storage solutions should protect items from damage while ensuring they are readily available for use. Thoughtful investment in resources that provide the most benefit for teachers and students is essential. Some items can be shared between classes, while others will need to be individual.

3) “I feel like I am not allowed to.”

Many teachers feel uncertain about whether outdoor teaching is encouraged, particularly if suitable spaces are unavailable.

Design takeaway: Provide designated outdoor teaching spaces and resources to give teachers the confidence to try. Offer training and brainstorming sessions to help teachers explore outdoor teaching methods. Most importantly, foster a culture that encourages experimentation—if something doesn’t work, it’s okay to try something else next time.

How to Get Started

There is always something you can do to help move classrooms outdoors. Start by asking these questions about your school:

Are there large shade sails or shelters that could be revamped into inviting teaching spaces?
Could you install outdoor chalkboards or whiteboards?
Is there adequate seating? Logs, tree stumps, rocks, or movable benches could create comfortable seating arrangements.
Do you have movable benches or tables that could be positioned in a circle under a shady tree?

Finally, ask the teachers. They are the ones who will use these spaces and often have fantastic ideas. By making thoughtful adjustments and providing encouragement, schools can unlock the benefits of outdoor teaching for students and staff alike.