Creating Outdoor Spaces this Autumn/Winter with Canopies in School Settings4 min read

outdoor learning school canopy protect canopies

Just because the temperature has dropped and the days seem shorter, it doesn’t mean outdoor enjoyment has to stop! With a well-designed canopy from Protect Canopies, schools can transform their outdoor spaces into multi-functional areas, perfect for fostering learning and play and enjoying the crisp winter air. Schools nowadays are increasingly using their outdoor spaces to benefit from open-air learning. These outdoor spaces become comfortable and functional for pupils and teachers and still hold numerous benefits.

In this blog, we talk about how to set up autumn/winter outdoor spaces for your school setting.

Weatherproof Canopies

Choose canopies that can withstand colder, wetter weather – this is normally the weather that winter entails.

Opt for canopies made from thick, waterproof materials such as PVC-coated polyester or heavy-duty polyethene. You want to keep the students as dry and comfortable as possible. These materials are much easier to clean and can withstand all weather.
The structure must be durable to withstand windy winter weather. Opt for steel or reinforced aluminium frames that provide sturdiness.
Enhance your canopy with sidewalls and safety barriers. These extras keep an enclosed space and let natural light in, maintaining a warm and bright learning environment. Teachers can also still monitor the children through these clear walls.

Flooring & Seating Options

Outdoor play and learning in the winter is a unique experience for children. Create a cosy and comfortable learning environment with the following ideas:

Underneath the school canopy create a reading spot with rugs, cushions and blankets this provides a barrier against the cold ground and makes reading outside more fun. Choose a winter-themed book.
Add rubber mats that are durable and weather-resistant – these can add a layer of warmth and comfort.
Think about a sturdy bench seat that multiple children can sit on. Add weather-resistant cushions that can be brought indoors at the end of the day.
Portable heaters and thermal blankets are suited for those colder days, especially for young children struggling with the cold.

Maintain a Comfortable Temperature with Safe Heating Solutions

Consider outdoor heating solutions that are safe for a school environment.

Disperse heat across a large area under the canopy with a tower-style electric heater. Make sure it comes with a safety shut-off feature and is positioned safely, away from fabric and children.
Warm up surfaces and people rather than the air with infrared heaters. This type of heater is efficient and safe for outdoor classrooms.
Research and invest in outdoor furniture that comes with built-in heating elements. As these may come at a cost, they provide direct warmth to children seated around the tables.

Extra Lighting for Shorter Winter Days

As winter draws in and the days are shorter, daylight is limited. Learning spaces benefit from extra lighting, opt for practical and energy-efficient lighting to fill the space.

LED lights such as string lights or lanterns can be cost-effective, safe, and provide the area with ambient lighting. The space is then illuminated with a warm and cosy feel, where it can be functional at all times of the day.
Solar lights are easy to function as they charge during the day and turn on automatically when it starts to get dark. An eco-friendly option that is budget-friendly and safe for children.
Battery-powered task lights or clip-on reading lights are ideal for older children.

Learning Zones

Previously, we have talked about cosy reading nooks, but think beyond to other activities such as hands-on activities and circle time.

Sturdy tables set up underneath the canopies can provide play for hands-on activities, like arts and crafts and science experiments.
Circle time can be created with chairs or benches fostering conversation and engagement.

Visually Appealing

Outdoor spaces don’t have to be plain and boring, make them fun and inviting with seasonal decor and interactive displays made by the children.

Seeing as it’s winter, decorate with nature-inspired items like pinecones, acorns, autumn leaves and rustic branches.
We want children to learn about the environment and nature so use this to its full potential and as a learning tool. Bird feeders can attract winter birds, and get the children to observe and document what they see.
Waterproof bulletin boards can display students’ work and pinpoint the seasonal topics the class will be learning about that term.

Plan Outdoor Activities & Lessons

Change up the day and create lessons and activities outdoors. Taking advantage of the outdoor environment allows for the following lessons and activities.

Go on nature walks and observe the seasonal changes, animal behaviour and plant life.
Create hands-on STEM lessons that tie into the seasons.
Winter arts and crafts can consist of nature collages and paintings of winter landscapes.