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Planning a Safe and Engaging Outdoor Activity in Physical Education

Outdoor physical education offers a unique opportunity to combine movement, nature, and learning. However, to ensure the experience is both safe and stimulating, careful planning is essential. Below are the key steps to follow, supported by experts and recognized educational resources.

1. Assess the Site and Anticipate Risks

Before any outing, it is crucial to visit the chosen site to observe infrastructure, shaded areas, potential obstacles, and educational opportunities. The tool “Risk Management in Outdoor Classrooms” provided by Enseigner dehors helps structure this assessment.

Teachers must distinguish between risks (which can be educational) and hazards (which should be avoided). For example, climbing a tree may be risky but beneficial, while playing near an unsupervised stream is hazardous.

Enseigner dehors. (s.d.). La gestion des risques à l’extérieur. Enseigner dehors. 

2. Integrate Safety into Educational Planning

According to Ophea (Ontario Physical and Health Education Association), safety must be integrated from the very beginning of the activity design:

• Inspection of equipment and terrain.
• Clear communication of rules to students.
• Presence of a first aid kit and an emergency plan.
• Adaptation of activities based on students’ physical and medical abilities.

“Safety relies on caution, foresight, and knowledge of students’ medical history.” – Ophea

Ophea. (n.d.). Outdoor Physical Activity | Safety Standards. Ophea.

3. Choose a Stimulating and Appropriate Activity

Outdoor environments enhance physical engagement, motivation, and academic success. A study by Tegwen Gadais, professor in the Department of Physical Activity Sciences at the Université du Québec à Montréal, shows that outdoor activities:

• Increase physical activity levels.
• Reduce stress.
• Promote motor skills and environmental awareness.

Examples of activities:

• Relay races with cognitive challenges.
• Motor skill courses using natural elements.
• Cooperative games that encourage communication.

Gadais, T. (2021). L’intervention éducative en contexte de plein air comme objet de recherche et d’enseignement en milieu universitaire au Québec. ResearchGate.

Conclusion

A well-planned outdoor physical education activity can transform students’ school experience. By combining safety, preparation, and stimulation, teachers create an environment conducive to the holistic development of young people.