Adding Functionality and Creativity in School Learning With Canopies and Shelters

Learning has become so dynamic in recent years. Breaking free from monotonous learning and adopting a different approach to creativity makes learning fun for kids. 

 Smart classes and screen learning may seem like a very successful and innovative idea infused into kids’ learning. However, out of the screens and into the greens is still relevant, or rather, important for the overall development of a child. For instance, canopies and shelters for schools to bring learning outside and encourage kids to connect with nature are so exciting. 

 When it’s their home away from home, why not explore and implement ideas that lead to the overall development of the kids in their learning stage? 

What Do Canopies and Shelter in a School Setting Mean?

Canopies and shelter in a school setting mean outdoor covered structures installed to provide protection from rain, wind, sun, etc. These are mostly located on the ground, which is used for many purposes, like education or other extracurricular activities. It can be available in many forms like outdoor classroom settings, multi-purpose shelters, and so much more. 

What Role Do Canopies and Shelters Play in School Learning

To start with, the role of canopies and shelters extends way beyond providing shelter or shade. Today, with functionality taking center stage, these versatile elements can do much in educational activities. Let’s have a look!

Classroom Without a Boundary: How about an outdoor classroom setting? A classroom unbothered by a boundary creates an engaging teaching and learning environment. Teachers can take classes on various subject matters and use real-life examples like trees, birds, colors, etc. to teach in a way that stays with kids. Also, it leads to a deeper connection with the subject. 

Multi Sensory Experience: Learning outdoors under the canopy and shelters, undoubtedly, makes kids more sensory-aware and open. They are hearing, smelling, feeling, and touching at the same time. It leads to more impactful learning. For example, the teacher teaching about the ecosystem in the garden is a great multisensory experience. 

Flexibility and Creativity: Unlike classrooms, canopies and shelters offer a great deal of flexibility to help teachers plan their lessons in the setting they prefer. For art, music, science, experiments, dance, and be it anything else, teachers can be flexible and creative with their approach for the betterment of the kids in school. 

 

Overall Health Development: When outdoors, physical activities come along. And what role do physical activities play in the overall development of kids? It’s indisputable. Therefore, physical education along with studies is the best combination kids can have in today’s life.  

 

Environmental Teaching: Teachers and schools can take the initiative to make canopies and shelters the main point of environmental teaching. The open garden spaces can be used to put shelters and canopies to make them the observation points, composting areas, and everything and anything for the betterment of the kids.

 

Weather Proof: With canopies and shelters, unpredictable weather won’t be an issue. Management can plan their lessons without fear of rain or scorching sun. Isn’t that a great idea? 

No Indoor Constraints: Many would agree that classroom settings can sometimes become restrictive. However, infusing the ideas of canopies allows one to break free from a restrictive setting, opening the door to exploration. Kids feel more relaxed, and engagement follows. 

 

Team Building: The canopy setting is excellent for team building. Students learn group communication, are involved in problem-solving exercises, and have good collaboration with their fellows.

 

Interesting Tips & Tricks To Use Canopies and Shelters in Schools

 

Have a look at some of the most interesting tips and tricks to use canopies and shelters to make the school environment better from all perspectives.

 

• Movable canopies can be used to form different learning zones. 
• Canopies can be used to showcase kid’s artwork to encourage them. 
• Shelters for kid's storytelling sessions during their leisure time. 
• Yoga and meditation sessions amid nature could be relaxing for kids. 
• Teachers can plan quizzes and examination sessions in the open sky as and when required and possible.
• The canopies and shelters can also be used for stargazing sessions for the kids if the working hours allow.
• Students can also be involved in the design and decoration of canopies to instill a sense of responsibility and belonging in them.
• For something out of the box, these canopies and shelters can be brought into use for parent-teacher interaction.
• For students with sensory sensitivity, canopies with scented plants, wind chimes, and textured surfaces are a great idea. 
• Bird-feeding activities, so kids can have life experience watching birds and learning to be givers to nature.
• Canopies can be used for a limitless broader learning experience. 

Canopies and shelters for schools are an idea that imposes no boundaries on learning and opens doors to creativity and functionality. In a world that demands a shift from the basics, this idea can be super effective.