How Does Outdoor Learning Empower Minds Beyond the Classroom?

Outdoor learning goes far beyond engaging children in physical activities like running, climbing, and playing. Its true value lies in its ability to foster emotional, social, cognitive, and psychological growth of young children.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, where children often spend more time indoors, outdoor learning offers essential benefits that promote a deeper connection to nature and support overall well-being.

Let’s explore why outdoor learning is so important and how it empowers children to grow into curious, confident and independent learners.

Why is outdoor learning important for children?

Growing research highlights meaningful interactions with nature significantly enhance children's cognitive abilities, academic performance, and problem-solving skills. Outdoor experiences also boost creativity, strengthen emotional well-being, and promote better physical health—including healthier eyesight. Recognising the immense benefits of outdoor learning, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) requires preschools to dedicate at least 30 minutes daily outdoors in full-day programmes.

Beyond developmental benefits, nature provides rich opportunities for children to investigate and inquire, and provides a calming influence as well. In outdoor settings, children engage with the world through their senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—which deepens their awareness of their surroundings and fosters a genuine connection with the world around them. These experiences contribute to their growth as global citizens who are socially and environmentally conscious.

At EtonHouse, we understand the profound impact outdoor environments have on children's development, which is why outdoor learning is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy. Guided by the Reggio Emilia approach, we nurture children’s curiosity through inquiry-based learning, empowering them to actively build knowledge through hands-on, meaningful experiences in both indoor and outdoor settings. 

How EtonHouse schools embrace outdoor learning

Every school is intentionally designed to fully utilise the unique characteristics of their locations, providing children with a rich blend of indoor and outdoor experiences. Our curriculum purposefully integrates each school's extended environment - from floral and fauna explorations at Gardens by the Bay to nature learning and outdoor education at Sentosa and Forest School Programme experiences at EtonHouse Nature Pre-School. Guided by the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasises inquiry-based learning, indoor and outdoor explorations drive curiosity, foster environmental awareness and enhance children's learning experiences.

EtonHouse Nature Pre-School

Our newly revamped EtonHouse Nature Pre-School is situated in the midst of lush greenery, large outdoor spaces and natural surroundings in the heart of Katong. With a vision to expand children's learning beyond classrooms, our environment is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, encourage inquiry, and nurture creativity while deepening their connection with the natural world. Our outdoor learning spaces feature:

• Sensory Garden: A thoughtfully designed space that engages all five senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. This immersive garden promotes inquiry-based learning and allows children to explore and learn about nature in a meaningful, hands-on way. 
• River Cove: A unique area that invites children to investigate and inquire, providing endless opportunities for research and exploration.
• Adventure Playland: This dynamic play area promotes physical development, resilience, social interactions, emotional self-regulation, and problem-solving. Offering opportunities for children to push their boundaries and solve problems fosters confidence and encourages independent learning. 

EtonHouse Garden School by the Bay

Located amidst the iconic Gardens by the Bay, this preschool offers a programme that is designed to allow children to spend 50% of their time outdoors. This unique setting provides a wealth of opportunities for children to engage with the lush greenery, iconic landscapes, and diverse ecosystems of the Gardens. In collaboration with nature education specialists and horticulturists, it provides an unmatched outdoor learning experience.

The school is also dedicated to sustainability, empowering children to be change agents. Through hands-on experiences, children actively contribute to environmental solutions, developing a deep understanding of their role in making a positive impact on the world.  

EtonHouse Pre-School by the Beach

Situated in the stunning Beachview area of Sentosa, EtonHouse Pre-School by the Beach offers an extraordinary learning environment with breathtaking views of the coastline. The programme incorporates the natural elements of sun, sand, and sea, blending them seamlessly into the curriculum. The natural surroundings inspire curiosity, creativity, and environmental awareness, encouraging children to ask questions and explore their world through discovery.

Seton Close at EtonHouse International School Orchard

Tailored for older children, this dynamic outdoor learning environment features a spacious 100m² green space right next to the EtonHouse Orchard campus. This natural environment becomes a canvas for creativity, where children can create their own adventures, invent new games, and explore their surroundings in imaginative ways. By engaging with nature, they cultivate their creativity and critical thinking skills, all while enjoying the freedom to express themselves in a fun, open, and stimulating environment. 

The Role of Outdoor Learning in Empowering Young Minds

By engaging with the natural world, children learn to solve problems, ask questions, and think critically. Whether through free play, guided exploration, or structured experiences, outdoor learning allows children to discover their strengths, develop resilience, and build connections with their peers and the environment.

At EtonHouse, we are committed to providing our children with rich outdoor learning experiences through thoughtfully designed spaces and curriculum. Our schools are designed to encourage inquiry, foster creativity, and provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning. 

We firmly believe in the transformative power of outdoor learning and will work continuously to provide our children with purposeful, engaging, and enriching environments that inspire and support their development beyond the classroom. 

Discover the magic of learning in nature at the following schools:

EtonHouse Garden School by the Bay 
EtonHouse Nature Pre-School
EtonHouse Pre-School by the Beach
EtonHouse International School Orchard