STUDENTS at Whitford Catholic Primary School swapped blackboards for trees today as part of a worldwide initiative.
Outdoor Classroom Day was held in Australia for the first time this year, encouraging children to focus, boost creativity and imagination and have more fun.
Activities included a treasure hunt for pre-primary students, spelling lessons using sticks, rocks and other natural objects for Year 1s, flying paper planes for Year 2 design and technology students, a 3D shape hunt for Year 3s and building forts and fairy houses from sticks, twigs and found objects for Year 4 design and technology students.
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READ NOWYear 5 students also took part by practising their public speaking on the oval and Year 6s took their religion class outside.
Principal Tamara McGougan said young children were “meant to be in the fresh air and sunshine”.
“Being outside enhances a child’s sense of wonder and connectedness to each other and the world around them,” she said.
“It also helps children learn faster, develop physical skills through ‘safe risks’ and promotes independent and creative thinking.”
Pearsall Primary School also took part, joining students from around Perth at Perry Lakes Reserve for a morning of activities.