Transforming Learning

Solar Playground

How would it be if you, as a teacher, had a tool to work with children who have special needs? A teacher wants to help all children move forward, but some children are difficult to help because they have reached a point where learning is no longer fun. We help make it fun again.

Active learning is an innovative educational method that integrates physical activity into the learning process. The goal is to make learning more effective, engaging, and enjoyable for students. This approach is particularly valuable for children who need extra support, such as students with learning difficulties, a lower IQ, or performance anxiety.

Benefits of Active Learning

Research shows that active learning offers several benefits:

• Improved academic performance: Movement during learning can lead to better concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills (wij-leren, 2024).
• More motivation and enjoyment: Students experience more fun and engagement in learning when movement is integrated, which is especially beneficial for young learners with a high need for social interaction and exploratory learning (Leraar24, 2024).
• Increased self-confidence: Active learning can contribute to a more positive self-image and greater self-confidence in students by providing success experiences in a dynamic learning environment.

Implementation in the Classroom

As a teacher, you can apply active learning in different ways:

• Moving while learning: Have students perform physical activities that are not directly linked to the lesson material, such as walking while learning vocabulary words (Docentplein, 2024).
• Moving to learn: Combine movement with educational tasks, such as solving math problems during a scavenger hunt on the playground (Kleuteruniversiteit, 2019).
• Movement breaks: Introduce short movement moments between lessons to boost students’ concentration and energy levels (BewegendLeren, 2024).

Solar Playground: An Innovative Solution for Outdoor Education

The Solar Playground by Apollios is an interactive outdoor floor that combines movement and learning. It generates solar energy and offers various educational games that encourage children to learn actively. This tool can be especially useful for students who struggle with traditional learning, as it creates a playful and motivating learning environment. Moreover, it is located outside on the school playground, meaning students not only move but also benefit from fresh air and the natural environment. Outdoor moments are particularly important for children, as being outside reduces stress, increases concentration, and contributes to healthy physical development.

Teachers’ Experiences

Many teachers who have implemented active learning have observed positive changes in their classrooms:

• Higher engagement: Students are more active and enthusiastic during lessons (Fluitendleren, zd).
• Better collaboration: Movement activities promote social interaction and teamwork among students (Leer Vooruit, zd).
• Fewer behavioral problems: Physical activity allows students to release their energy, leading to a calmer and more productive learning environment.

Conclusion

Active learning provides a valuable addition to traditional teaching methods, especially for students who need extra support. With tools like the Solar Playground, you, as a teacher, can enrich the learning process and contribute to a positive and inclusive learning environment. Additionally, being outdoors offers extra benefits that improve children’s well-being and academic performance.