õuesõna

Õuesõna is an Estonian term used in education to describe vocabulary that is learned or used in outdoor settings. The concept sits within the broader practice of outdoor education (õuesõpe) in Estonia, which emphasizes experiential learning in natural or urban outdoor environments. The word is a compound of õue, meaning yard or outdoor space, and sõna, word. In educational contexts, õuesõna refers to words that students encounter during field trips, nature walks, or other activities conducted outside the classroom, and that are subsequently recorded and practiced.

Usage and examples: In language teaching, teachers may collect õuesõnad such as names of plants, animals, weather phenomena, or local place names observed during outdoor activities. Students may add these words to a nature journal or vocabulary list, use them in spelling exercises, or practice pronunciation in authentic contexts.

Pedagogical role: The concept promotes contextualized vocabulary learning, ecological literacy, and the integration of language with observation and inquiry. It also encourages students to connect linguistic knowledge with their immediate environment.

Terminology and reception: Õuesõna is not a formal dictionary term; it appears primarily in educational literature, teacher resources, and school practices. Its exact scope and implementation may vary between schools and regions. Related concepts include õuesõpe (outdoor education) and place-based learning.