Reflections after the OUTDOORS Forum

When you set off on a small adventure with colleagues, you do not really know what to expect — much like every child arriving at a lesson or activity. Yet everything was excellently organised. Thank you to Latvijas valsts meži (Latvian State Forests)! At the entrance, smiling forest fairies welcomed us and explained where to go and what would happen next. At the event site, it was like an anthill: everyone was busy, and everyone knew what to do. There were no misunderstandings, unnecessary questions, getting lost or confusion.

Everything had been considered so that every participant could feel great.

The day was packed with activities provided by Latvian State Forests, the Kalsnava Arboretum, the Latvian Timber Association, the Latvian Biology Teachers’ Association, entomologists, ornithologists, experts from other fields and other countries. All of this highlighted how EASY and VALUABLE it is to learn OUTDOORS.

We could feel for ourselves how tireless the mind can be after learning all day outside four stuffy walls. Researching, observing, discovering, understanding, analysing… Yes, there is physical tiredness, but it is so much better than the emotional exhaustion that often follows indoor lessons.

The two days I spent at the #TeachersForumOUTDOORS filled me with energy, new ideas and knowledge, and strengthened my belief that learning can take place not only in the classroom — much of the truth is outside.

Physics, mathematics, languages, physical education, art, breaks and meals: there is nothing that cannot at least partly be moved into an outdoor environment.

A new school year is approaching, and I hope we can inspire other teachers too. I have a strong team, and together we can make it happen.

Good luck, and see you OUTDOORS!

• Ance Brāzma,
• Social Pedagogue, Mazzalves Primary School

Source: Mazzalves Primary School