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Outdoor Classroom Designs

Learning Outdoors

Combining learning and the outdoors creates a flexible, open environment and a breath of fresh air. With a little extra room to stretch their bodies and imaginations, children are healthier, happier and often show improved focus. Explore our flexible outdoor learning designs and see how taking lessons outside supports student success.

Designing your outdoor learning space may seem like a lot to think about, but to us, it's another day living the dream — getting more people spending time outside together. With the help of our talented design team, your local Burke representative is ready to help you build an outdoor environment that will inspire exploration, activity and hands-on experiences for years to come. Our outdoor spaces expand the meaning of classroom with options for music, fitness and educational games that help everyone learn.

 

Research shows outdoor learning supports students and staff in many ways:

  • Educators report that students are often more attentive outdoors.
  • Time in nature has been linked to reduced stress and improved well-being.
  • Children experience things firsthand rather than through screens.
  • Being outside encourages natural movement and activity.
  • Sunlight exposure supports Vitamin D production.
  • Many schools find that outdoor play fosters cooperation and communication skills.
  • Studies suggest fresh air may support focus and cognitive function.

 

Contact your local Burke Representative to get started!

 

Novo Playful Furniture

Outdoor Classroom Furniture

Novo® Playful Furniture makes it simple to create a learning environment that enriches and engages all children while providing comfort and ease for teachers and caregivers. Novo combines form and function to generate creative site amenities that transform any outdoor space into an engaging learning environment. When learning and play work hand in hand, we can help your school community design flexible and productive spaces where students grow and develop naturally.

 

Music Play

Outdoor Musical Instruments

Music education brings joy and important developmental benefits to outdoor learning. PlayEnsemble®, the Burke collection of outdoor musical instruments, adds musical expression to any outdoor space. As a universal language that inspires everyone to create, music brings a sense of wonder to the learning environment. Musical experiences aren't just play — they accelerate child development intellectually, socially and emotionally while enhancing motor skills, language and literacy. An outdoor learning space with musical elements rounds out education in the most harmonious way.

Elevate Fitness Course

Outdoor Fitness Equipment

Movement keeps kids healthy and excited about physical fitness, improving focus when they return to academic tasks. ELEVATE® Fitness Course makes fitness fun for children ages 5-12 and 13+ at all fitness levels, providing dynamic physical education opportunities in the fresh air. From playground to ninja-inspired training, each obstacle offers three challenge levels with multiple options, ensuring everyone can participate and succeed. Adding ELEVATE to your outdoor learning environment engages and enriches children while helping them develop strength, agility, cardiovascular fitness, balance and coordination. Instructional videos guide proper form and use. Bring out the inner ninja or warrior in all your students — just don't expect them to master the silent part yet!