Czech Children Outdoors Research

„I’m glad the research disproves a common belief that I often encounter in schools – that increasing time spent on outdoor learning is hindered by parents' attitudes. On the contrary, the research shows that 71% of parents support more outdoor education outside the classroom. The connection between time spent outdoors, improved relationships, and children's mental resilience is undeniable. Thanks to the KKFF Foundation’s research, we now have solid arguments. Let’s support teachers on their journey beyond the classroom!“

Jana Neumajerová

Architect and lecturer, Unie rodičů, z. s.

„It turns out that the number of hours spent outdoors during school lessons decreases as children get older. But if we want their interest in outdoor activities to grow, we need to include them regularly in the school day, so it becomes a natural habit. It’s worth supporting teachers in finding ways to move their lessons outside, to focus on the specific needs of each school, and to offer meaningful, tailored support.“

Šárka Mrňáková

Outdoor learning program lecturer, Eduzměna Kutnohorsko

„There’s a long tradition in Czech education of promoting and including outdoor learning – from Comenius to Eduard Štorch and his Children's Farm project. Once a teacher tries it, they won’t want to go back to the old way of teaching. In one of my subjects, it’s expected and natural – after all, you can’t teach biology without nature – but increasingly we’re seeing that any subject can be taught outdoors. Even my other subject, history. But also civics, physics, chemistry... because nature is a brilliant teacher, and spending time in it significantly boosts the wellbeing of both children and teachers.“

Daniel Pražák

Primary school teacher at Strossmayer Square, advocate of modern education

„School gardens and playgrounds are often underestimated, even though outdoor learning plays an irreplaceable role in children’s development. I’m glad the Karel Komárek Family Foundation made this research available to the education system. Furthermore the Czech School Inspectorate uses the data as part of its methodological updates.“

„This research is unique in providing insight into the current lives of Czech children from preschool age upward. The attitudes of both parents and teachers towards outdoor education shows that it’s worth continuing to foster children’s connection with nature. There are few barriers to this style of teaching and there is agreement on the benefits. Unsurprisingly, screen time eats into the time children spend outside, which is an important signal to schools to offer all children enough opportunities to balance screen and indoor time with being outdoors.“