Buitenklas is a simple DIY concept for primary schools to take learning outside.

We’re living through extraordinary times full of uncertainty and anxiety. Getting kids back to school in the safest possible way can make a world of difference in our collective quality of life.

Buitenklas offers:

Room for up to 20 kids, with enough space for a desk, chair or yoga mat.

Four square meters, clearly marked for every student.

Clearly marked routes around and through the classroom to allow the teacher to safely interact with students on an individual basis.

Ideas for how to make the most of Buitenklas by creating formats for individual study, group or partner work and a theater style.

Choose your grid, make a square and repeat.

The foundation of Buitenklas is a 2×2 meter square. Choose the size of your grid based on how much space you have and then start making those squares.

Don’t forget to leave the right amount of distance between them though, to create safe routes for the teacher to move around and through the classroom.

Want to test Buitenklas for a day? Will the class be moved from one location to another? Use some plain old chalk.

Looking for a one-week solution that’s a bit sharper? Make a stencil and use spray chalk. Are you convinced that Buitenklas works for you and you want to keep it visible for as long as possible? Tape is a decent option, but using a stencil and paint will keep it looking fresh longer.

Just a bunch of squares eh? Watch this video to see all the possibilities.

This handy guide has all the info you need to build your own Buitenklas (click through to download).

Learn more in the Dutch version of our video explainer.

Download the Dutch how-to guide here.