In schools across Aotearoa, classrooms are getting fuller, and it’s not just the desks that are feeling the squeeze. Teachers and kids alike are feeling the effects of larger class sizes—more noise, less space, and growing demands. It’s not unusual for a child, especially those who find it hard to concentrate or need a bit more time, to feel overwhelmed. Similarly, teachers are stretched thin, trying to give each student the support they need. In this high-pressure environment, stress levels climb quickly, impacting the well-being of everyone in the room.
But there’s a special place many Oke schools have embraced: the outdoor classroom. When children step into these green spaces, they enter a world where the usual stresses of school fade into the background. Here, there are no walls to confine them, no chatter competing for their attention—just the gentle rustle of leaves and the coolness of fresh air. Research has shown that nature has a calming effect, and our tamariki experience this firsthand. For children dealing with stress or anxiety, these outdoor spaces provide a much-needed respite, allowing them to learn and grow at a pace that feels comfortable and right for them.
Imagine a child like Tane, who often feels tense in his usual classroom. With Oke’s outdoor learning space, he can sit on the grass, take a deep breath, and feel his heart slow down. Nature allows him to focus in a way that a traditional classroom doesn’t. The garden becomes his sanctuary—a place where he can listen, learn, and just be. Teachers notice the difference too. With fewer walls to close in the noise and movement, they see students relaxing, friendships flourishing, and attention spans growing.
For teachers, the benefits are just as profound. They feel the relief of guiding lessons in a calm, natural environment. The reduction in stress translates to better interactions with students, greater creativity in lessons, and a stronger sense of community within their class.
At Oke, we’ve seen how these outdoor spaces transform the way kids and teachers experience school. Classrooms no longer feel like pressure cookers but places of growth, filled with curiosity and calm. As more schools face the pressures of overcrowding, these green spaces offer a breath of fresh air. The impact is clear: outdoor classrooms are not just a place to learn but a refuge, helping to restore the mental health and well-being of everyone who steps inside. Here, every child has the space to grow, thrive, and truly be themselves.