Outodoor education

In connection with nature and the local area

At YIES, as in all Becoming Education schools, outdoor education is not just an occasional activity; it is a way of experiencing school.

The outdoor environment becomes an extension of the classroom: a vibrant space in which to develop independence, curiosity and awareness.

Scientific research confirms it: children learn best when they can engage with their surroundings. Moving around, observing, exploring and touching creates a profound and holistic experience.

That is why we choose to encourage children to spend time outdoors every day.

Why the outdoors is so important

Spending time outdoors helps you thrive. It boosts physical and mental wellbeing, stimulates the imagination and encourages teamwork. Conflicts are reduced and self-confidence grows.

Children become more open to the complexities of life. Together with their teachers, they learn to look after the environment, observe changes in it, and understand the value of sustainability and biodiversity. It is a lasting learning experience because it is connected to real life.

The benefits of outdoor education

Physical and emotional well-being Exercise, natural light and fresh air, contact with nature
Curiosity and observation Developing a scientific eye
Collaboration and autonomy Working together in real-life situations
Multisensory experiences Touching, listening, smelling, looking, coordinating body and mind
Environmental awareness Knowing, understanding and respecting the ecosystem
Risk assessment Anticipating the consequences of one’s actions, recognising one’s physical limits, and exercising self-control

Outdoor Education for 3–13-year-olds

L'esperienza outdoor accompagna i bambini in tutto il percorso scolastico, con proposte calibrate sull'età e sulle competenze da sviluppare.

We believe that children’s interaction with the outdoor environment is a key factor in their balanced psychomotor development and in fostering a sense of citizenship. That is why we organise outings and day trips to places outside the school grounds: to parks near the school, in the local neighbourhood, and in the surrounding area.

Every outing is an opportunity to explore the world, discover what the local area has to offer and, step by step, build a sense of belonging.

Daily sensory explorations
Observing leaves, insects, stones, living things, sounds and colours
Spontaneous play as an irreplaceable learning experience
Early initiatives to protect the environment

Preschool

In primary school, outdoor learning supports the development of increasingly complex skills. Nature provides the setting for scientific activities, measurement projects, geographical explorations, mathematical observations and storytelling.

Working outdoors helps you see the world through fresh eyes and develop a critical mindset and a spirit of collaboration.

Scientific activities and field data collection
Explorations of the local area and mathematical observations
Outdoor storytelling and art projects
Collaboration and problem-solving in real-world contexts

Primary School

In Middle School, Outdoor Education takes the form of complex projects: environmental studies, interdisciplinary research, data collection, discussions and presentations.

Students learn to interpret natural phenomena, respect ecosystems, develop scientific thinking and make responsible decisions.

Environmental investigations and the interpretation of natural phenomena
Interdisciplinary projects involving science, geography and technology
Critical thinking applied to the observation of the local area
Responsibility and care for the ecosystem

Middle School

Every outing is an opportunity to explore the world, discover what the local area has to offer and, step by step, build a sense of belonging.

Daily sensory explorations
Observing leaves, insects, stones, living things, sounds and colours
Spontaneous play as an irreplaceable learning experience
Early initiatives to protect the environment

Preschool

Working outdoors helps you see the world through fresh eyes and develop a critical mindset and a spirit of collaboration.

Scientific activities and field data collection
Explorations of the local area and mathematical observations
Outdoor storytelling and art projects
Collaboration and problem-solving in real-world contexts

Primary School

In Middle School, Outdoor Education takes the form of complex projects: environmental studies, interdisciplinary research, data collection, discussions and presentations.

Students learn to interpret natural phenomena, respect ecosystems, develop scientific thinking and make responsible decisions.

Environmental investigations and the interpretation of natural phenomena
Interdisciplinary projects involving science, geography and technology
Critical thinking applied to the observation of the local area
Responsibility and care for the ecosystem

Middle School

Our outdoor spaces

The garden

Our garden and the nearby Monza Park are places for sensory and physical exploration and learning. Here, children discover a love of life and nature.

Gardens and parks fit naturally into educational planning, bringing with them a sense of discovery and wonder.

Friendly plants

YIES has a strong green heart: plants can be found in every room. They are a source of well-being and companions on a journey of discovery through life, in all its forms.

The children look after the plants every day. It is a valuable experience that helps them to become more independent and responsible.

I nostri spazi

Educational trips

School trips are opportunities to broaden cultural horizons and strengthen relationships. They allow children and young people to gain first-hand experience of what they are studying in class.

We organise outings and trips, including day trips, not only to parks but also around the local area. The school engages with the local community through explorations, visits and discovery tours to local sites: Villa Reale, Monza Cathedral, Milan, Monza Park and museums.

Our destinations

Theatre performances
Exhibitions, historical and artistic sites
Natural environments
Field visits

Multi-day trips

We offer multi-day trips: experiences of independence, togetherness and discovery that bring the group closer together and create unforgettable memories.

Eco-Schools and sustainability

YIES is part of the international Eco-Schools programme, promoted by FEE Italia (Foundation for Environmental Education).

Outdoor Education is closely linked to our sustainability programme: students play an active role in projects aimed at reducing waste, looking after green spaces, creative recycling and monitoring consumption.

Active participation in the Eco-Schools action plan
Monitoring consumption and reducing environmental impact
Everyday sustainability projects

Scopri Eco-schools

Frequently asked questions

01 What does Outdoor Education mean for YIES?

For YIES, Outdoor Education is a way of experiencing school. In this approach, nature and the outdoor environment become an extension of the classroom: a living space where students can develop independence, curiosity, and awareness through a profound and holistic experience.

02 How much time do children spend outdoors during the day?

YIES chooses to encourage the meeting between students and the outdoor environment every day, in all seasons. Outings and outdoor experiences are regular and follow the pace of children and young people, accompanying the development of their skills step by step.

03 Does Outdoor Education take place only within YIES spaces or also in the local area?

Activities take place in both internal and external spaces. Students regularly use the school garden, the educational vegetable patch, and the nearby Monza Park. Additionally, the school engages with the local community through explorations, visits, and discovery tours to local sites such as the Villa Reale, Monza Cathedral, and various museums.

04 How does the outdoor approach change across the different age groups?

The programme is tailored to the skills to be developed at each stage of growth:

Preschool: Focuses on daily sensory explorations, spontaneous play, and discovering the local area to build a sense of belonging.
Primary School: Nature becomes the setting for scientific activities, measurement projects, geographical explorations, and storytelling.
Middle School: Activities evolve into complex projects, including environmental studies, interdisciplinary research, and data collection to develop critical thinking and responsible decision-making.

05 Does YIES have sustainability certifications or recognitions?

Yes, YIES is a Green school and is part of the international Eco-Schools programme, promoted by FEE Italia (Foundation for Environmental Education). Students play an active role in the action plan by monitoring consumption, managing recycling, and looking after the vegetable garden, working towards the achievement of the Green Flag.

Start your journey at Yies

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