I truly believe outdoor classrooms are key to student success – and here’s why:
Before I started Pelican Playgrounds, I was a high school special education teacher in New Orleans. I saw firsthand how my students suffered from hot classrooms that had no windows. Our HVAC system at the school was constantly breaking, and students with sensory needs often had a hard time concentrating due to flickering, bright overhead lights.
I tried several things to make my classroom as conducive for learning as possible, but more often than not, I opted to bring my class outside. We would sit on the football bleachers and I noticed immediately how much more engaged, attentive, and happy my students were when I held class outdoors. The fresh air helped them focus, and the natural light was easier to read in.
But we’re in New Orleans, so it gets hot — and I mean HOT — many months of the school year. I knew there was a better solution available, if only I had some shade and proper seating areas for my kids.
Enter the Outdoor Classroom
Did you know that outdoor classrooms can significantly boost academic performance? Research consistently shows that when students engage with the outdoors, their engagement, creativity, and enthusiasm skyrocket. One study of 21,000 U.S. elementary school students found that, over one school year, kids who were exposed to more sunlight during their school day displayed 26% higher reading outcomes and 20% higher math outcomes than kids in less sunny classrooms.
Air quality also plays a major role in cognition and student success: this interesting study found that healthier air quality (in the form of lower CO2 levels) can double cognitive functioning. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to have good air quality for students’ health and growth.
When kids step outside, they’re exposed to hands-on, sensory-rich experiences that make lessons more memorable. Whether it’s studying life cycles in a school garden, measuring angles on the playground, or journaling under a shade tree, these moments connect students to their curriculum in meaningful ways.
I’ve had the privilege of working with schools that transformed underused outdoor spaces into thriving hubs of learning. Each project reinforces what the data tells us: outdoor classrooms inspire better academic results and a deeper connection to education.
Grant Funding is Available for Outdoor Classrooms
To help more schools create dynamic outdoor learning spaces, I’m thrilled to share the 2024 Protect the Groms Shade Structure Program. This grant-funded initiative provides financial support to public schools, charter schools, and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations to install shade structures, ensuring outdoor classrooms are comfortable and safe year-round.
Creating an outdoor learning environment doesn’t have to be overwhelming—that’s where I can help. At Pelican Playgrounds, we specialize in guiding schools through every step of the process, from grant applications to design and installation.
If you’re interested in bringing a shade structure to your school, I’d love to personally help you navigate this limited-time grant opportunity. I bring years of grant writing (and outdoor teaching) experience and can work with you on the application, design, quote, and installation of your shade structure for your playground or outdoor classroom. You can reach me directly at 504-909-6544 or email me at lknight@pelicanplaygrounds.com. I’m here to answer your questions and provide one-on-one support to make your vision a reality.
We also share grant opportunities on our social channels – follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest grants for Louisiana and Mississippi!
