You know what they say — “every day’s a school day,” and honestly, anywhere can be a classroom. Children (and adults!) are learning something new every single day, and often they’re having so much fun they don’t even realise they’re being educated. With ideas for both teachers and parents, here are some interesting ways to educate children outside of the classroom.
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Ways to Educate Children Outside the Classroom
PE & Sports
Getting kids involved in sport means more than just physical exercise. It teaches children a whole range of life lessons and skills, including:
- How to work together as a team
- Learning that they’ll face setbacks — and how to deal with them
- Self-discipline
- How to follow rules
- The importance of concentration and focus
You may also enjoy 30 Life Skills Every Child Should Learn
Field Trips
Field trips are the perfect opportunity for learning outside the classroom, and a great way to break up the school day routine. Children may not realise it, but even outside the classroom, they’re still learning — just in a fun and interactive way.
That said, trips can be costly and tricky to organise. Don’t forget that your own garden, nearby forests or local parks offer plenty of learning opportunities too — take nature lessons, science and art outdoors whenever the weather allows.
Tablet/Smartphone Apps
You may be reluctant to hand over your smartphone or tablet, especially with all the talk about screen time and getting kids outside to play. But really, it’s about balance — and what they’re actually doing on the screen. Download the right apps, and screen time can become a genuinely useful way to keep young minds active outside of school.
- 10 of the Best Educational Apps for Kids, Reviewed by Families
- Educational Apps for Kids Aged 8-12 yrs
- Educational & Interactive Apps for Toddlers & Preschoolers
- 10 Best Learning Games for Toddlers & Preschoolers
- 11 Free Educational Games Online for Kids
- 15 of the Best Reading Apps for Kids
You may also enjoy Tips for Parents on Managing Kids’ Screen Time
Stories and Reading
Reading with kids at bedtime is a wonderful opportunity for learning. If your child can read, let them read to you or to a younger sibling — this builds reading fluency, and they’ll pick up new vocabulary from the stories along the way.
You could also swap some screen time for reading time in the afternoon or evening. And once you’ve finished a book, don’t just put it back on the shelf — talk about it together and see what they took from the story.
You may also enjoy 100 Best Ever Bedtime Stories for Kids
Play Outside
Take play time outdoors — even when kids are rolling around in the mud and getting thoroughly dirty, there’s plenty of learning happening.
You could give your child a small section of the garden to grow their own vegetables. This teaches responsibility and the importance of eating healthy food, and shows them how food travels from the ground to the dinner plate.
Here’s how to make your garden a fun place for kids and some useful tips on more green time and less screen time.
You may also enjoy 10 Best Nature Activities for Kids to Do in the Garden & Fun Garden Chores for Kids
Kids and Grandparents
If your children are close to their grandparents, why not have them interview them about what life was like growing up? It’s a lovely way for kids to learn about history first-hand and discover how different life used to be.
Or have them write a letter to their grandparents that they can post — a fun way to improve spelling and handwriting while staying connected.
You may also enjoy Why Grandparents Are Important for Childhood
Over to you! Have you any other fun ways to take learning outside the classroom? Let us know in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is learning outside the classroom important for children?
Learning outside the classroom helps children apply what they know in real-world settings, builds independence and confidence, and often makes lessons stick better because they’re tied to a memorable, hands-on experience.
What are simple ways to educate kids at home without extra materials?
Everyday moments work well — cooking together, gardening, reading aloud, chatting with grandparents, or playing outdoors all offer natural learning opportunities without needing anything special.
Are educational apps a good substitute for outdoor learning?
They can be a helpful part of the mix rather than a substitute. The right educational apps, used in moderation alongside plenty of outdoor and hands-on play, can support learning in a fun, balanced way.
How can grandparents help with a child’s education?
Grandparents can share family history and life experience through conversation, storytelling and letter-writing, helping children build language skills while learning about the past.
Related Articles
- 30 Life Skills Every Child Should Learn
- Tips for Parents on Managing Kids’ Screen Time
- 100 Best Ever Bedtime Stories for Kids
- 10 Best Nature Activities for Kids to Do in the Garden
- Why Grandparents Are Important for Childhood
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