Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds has been developing natural, eco-friendly play spaces for two decades, but when the pandemic hit, the company came up with the OutClass classroom brand — a way to bring learning outdoors.
“What we realized is that it was so important for us to be outside that we needed to find a way for teachers to bring their classes outside. We knew as soon as they started doing that, they’re going to realize all the benefits that come with learning outside,” says John El-Raheb, CEO of the company based in west Flamborough.
“There are benefits when it comes to improved focus and attention spans, which leads to increased test scores," he noted. "We see a reduction in bullyism. We see a reduction even in teacher absenteeism. There’s a mental health and a calming aspect to being outside, as well as benefits for physical health. What we find is you have multiple senses engaged at the same time, then that’s why you see those improved learning outcomes.
"What we know is one class taught out there makes an impact on focus and attention spans on our kids even when they go back inside for the rest of the day.”
OutClass offers different packages, from a basic setup with a set of benches and a chalkboard to completely customized configurations. The classrooms are set up to be outside all year long and can be moved to accommodate different configurations. The idea is to create something that fits within the existing landscape wherever that may be, which is why outdoor classrooms work whether you’re in Northern Ontario or far south of the border.
“When you’re looking at where it’s set up, being next to trees or some type of canopy is super important wherever possible," says El-Raheb. "Our packages actually come with trees. It's non-negotiable.
“We’ve done over 400 of these classrooms in the last four years. That research really informs why we do what we do and how we do what we do. We’ve got an education team that helps with the curriculum development and that helps with ergonomics when it comes to the age group. Everything is very specific and purposeful in our approach.”
As a way of giving back, the company came up with the OutClass Giveaway Contest, which gives schools a chance to win a fully furnished classroom with an approximate $15,000 value that includes up to 20 student stations, a teacher station, a weather-resistant outdoor double-sided chalkboard, and four locally sourced trees. The first year they had over 10,000 entries from across North America. In addition to Colorado, past winners include schools in Tennessee, Brampton, Barrie, and Texas.
“Public schools, Catholic schools, private schools, early learning centres — really anywhere learning is happening, you’re eligible to enter,” says El-Raheb. “The one awesome thing that they all have in common is that they had people that were really passionate at their school about learning outcomes and trying to figure out how to help their kids get outside. I find that’s been the overlap on everybody’s that entered has been that it’s something that they really wanted to bring to their school but maybe they couldn’t afford to do it. This was a chance to be able to get it without having to pay.”
The current OutClass Giveaway Contest closes in May 2025. Those who wish to enter can fill out and submit the online entry form. Schools that enter will receive a confirmation email with instructions for the principal or facility director. The winner is selected in a random draw.
