Assessing the usefulness of outdoor learning in the early years during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malta

Abstract

The infectious potential of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) has demanded radical responses from world leaders in attempt to minimise the outbreak. One such measure has been school closure, which impacted children and adults globally. Schools in Malta have closed on March 13th, 2020. Physical distancing has become a key component in determining a safe reopening of schools. This paper focuses on early childhood education and care (ECEC) within the context of COVID-19 and outdoor learning as a potential response for the reopening of schools amidst the pandemic. Any study released prior to mid-October 2020 that reported on literature related to outdoor learning and COVID-19 was systematically reviewed using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic review and Meta-Analysis) statement. This paper suggests outdoor learning as a tentative plan to help with the implementation of the curriculum in ECEC while reducing the risk of virus transmission via physical distancing in outdoor spaces. As a result, some suggestions are made. It concludes with offering potential directions for future research.