Greenspace Series Childrens Recycled Plastic Picnic Table. Reach out to parents and community members to find volunteers who can assist with the outdoor classroom plan. Being able to provide the resources and the professional development to just help educators to feel more confident in taking some of those first steps [is so valuable], says Johanna Prince, the principal at Kingfield Elementary School in the western foothills of Maine. There is not one kindergarten student this year with a behavior plan.. Even with the big, big changes., Climate Driven: A deep dive into Maine's response, one county at a time, Maine Public on Your Voice Activated Device, Music That Moves ME 60th Anniversary Edition, WATCH: Video On-Demand TV Programs (including Maine PBS PASSPORT), WATCH: Maine Public Television Live Stream, Maine High School Basketball Championship Weekend, Watch Maine Public Television and Additional Channels with an Antenna, Community Calendar - Virtual & Live Events in Maine. Francis and the rest of his classmates walk about 50 yards down the sidewalk and arrive at their classroom: a blue canopy with two wooden picnic tables, a few big rocks, and lush green trees and flowers nearby. It was all there beforeId just never realized how much the outdoors could inspire students in their learning. It's been really, really something to watch after being in this field for a long time to just see the tremendous commitment and spike that happened in response to the pandemic, Stires says. It makes [learning] so much more relevant. But she says this past year was monumental in terms of growth. Once I understood what was possible, I reached out to other teachers, administrators, and the parent-teacher organization at my school, hoping we too could make this happen for our students. No apps configured. With our innovative equipment and design expertise we can create a functional outdoor space that will serve both as an innovative outdoor classroom and an interactive learning area. When we are outdoors, the school feels like the setting of a storybook, and each time we take to the woods, it feels like starting an epic adventure. Students investigate the papermaking process by trying it themselves. The Outdoor Classroom Amphitheatre for seating and performance. As you select a site for the outdoor classroom, consider one that includes shady areas for classroom space and sunny areas for native plants to attract birds and butterflies. Further information on cookies can be found in our updatedPrivacy Policy. Besides, some things can only be learned outdoors. Gives you extra space by using two outdoor classroom buildings and linking them with a covered walkway. She has also noticed a positive impact on behavior. As a district, we're proud that we offered the opportunity, says Brooke Teller, STEM Coordinator at Portland Public Schools. Want a little more inspiration to help you get started on an outdoor classroom for your school? Regardless of design, rely on School Outfitters to keep your outdoor learning environment furnished, functional and fun. Project Learning Tree provides educators with peer-reviewed, award-winning environmental education curriculum resources that can be integrated into lesson plans for all grades and subject areas. Outdoor Classrooms for learning outside the classroom. What are the economic opportunities? This vibrant gathering in The Secret Gardens is a wonderful time for families to bond in nature together and for young explorers to playfully learn outdoors, no matter what the weather. If you answered, reduce, reuse, recycle, that is incorrect! Now more than ever, there is a need for outdoor learning environments that provide plenty of space between students as communities safely get back to learning in-person. construction, renovations or simple I am so incredibly excited about expanding the opportunities for outdoor learning, particularly as we're thinking about the motivation and attitude of our students, and the engagement, Soule says. Have a lot of patience! He says coming back to school and going outside for class was a big change, but one he was excited for. Or maybe you already have an outdoor teaching program but you need new inspiration, ideas, resources and innovative ways to take your curriculum to the next level. The district also purchased outdoor learning materials such as buckets, easels, clipboards, and winter gear. Engage volunteers. Whether you're tackling new Harvesting a Future - A Comprehensive Garden Resource Guide, Janitors Closet and Classroom Material Safety, COVID-19 Cleaning, Disinfection & Ventilation, Project WET or Water Education for Teachers, www.tn.gov/environment/about-tdec/education-home.html, Tennessee Department of Health Publications. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reasonably priced portable white/magnetic board for their classroom. . Get your FREE Starter Guide today. visions to life. For educators, outdoor school can be much easier with teaching essentials that can transition smoothly to the outside. Below are a few examples of outdoor learning areas we've designed. She is working on creating a method to track the impact of outdoor learning at her school. These bright, adorable and comfortable stools outdid my expectations and my students like them too! I know you cant repreint the whole resource, which is fantastic but some mention of the issue would enhance our knowledge of our place. Dollies are also essential to carry any number of folding chairs and tables to the outdoor learning space. And it has hired a district-level outdoor learning coordinator to help expand the work. Who can help with outdoor learning? But at times, you get overwhelmed by the ins and outs and options available especially on a small budget and with very little extra time. The school where I teach serves 125 students in grades K6. With monthly Outdoor Classrooms Tour & Talks, LIVE Teaching & Learning Round Table discussions, access to our 1-hour Nature-Based Workshop Library, and LIVE Q&A/ Lesson Exchanges, one never knows , My 7 Favorite Gardening Tools for Children Gardening is a wonderful opportunity to get your children involved in outdoor work that is fun, productive, and educational with a splash of whimsy. When schools were forced into ongoing remote learning, I joined Inside-Outside: Nature-Based Educators, where I found lots of examples of teachers and students working together outside, especially in response to the pandemic. Want to check it out first? Enjoy storytelling, a nature craft, science discovery, garden explorations, and sensory play. Your email address will not be published. Soules class is just one of hundreds of outdoor classrooms that have popped up across Maine this past year since the coronavirus pandemic upended traditional schooling. At my school, the surprises continue as we discover new ways to bring the curriculum outdoors. Some days our read-alouds take place under the same canopy of tall pine trees that we studied. Your email address will not be published. Older students can build gardens, learn the benefits of composting, study the anatomy of insects and experience the elements of botany. As a first-grade teacher who lives in a rural community, Ive seen firsthand how transformative teaching in the outdoors can be: It can help build community and breathe new life into instruction, all while keeping teachers and students safe. There wasn't a child in this building, everyone was outside doing some type of learning.. NAAEE offers recommendations for schools to reopen or modify procedures amid COVID-19 restrictions and social-distancing, including ways for schools to repurpose and maximize outdoor spaces to be most suitable for instruction. services to bring your learning space We've created some sample outdoor classroom concepts that are not only a good option to explore during this global COVID-19 pandemic, but they are a great way for school campuses to expand their learning space for use well into the future. There are several outdoor classroom opportunities in Tennessee. The buckets also double as a seat, with some students sitting on theirs turned upside-down, like Chantel Touch, 10. The outdoor classroom includes seating for 24 students, as well as bird feeders, bird baths, and native plants that provide food and shelter for wildlife. This type of outdoor classroom calls for temporary school furniture thats portable yet flexible, like folding chairs and tables. We want our products to be both educational, creative and fun so that children will enjoy using them and will want to participate time and time again. For those schools who are wanting both to offer some sort of shade or shelter for the playground as well as to provide for an outdoor learning facility, this product provides the solution. Every outdoor classroom therefore we produce is created with the environment in mind and we have even created our own renewable energy system involving wind, solar and pedal power! Youre excited about whats possible for you and your students. Watch a video of the paper-making process used in this activity. Learning by experience helps children grow in motor development, social-emotional development, language development, and creative expression. Outdoor/Indoor Enclosed Cork Bulletin Board w/ Two Doors, Round Recycled Plastic Picnic Table w/ Solid Writeable Surface. Project WET or Water Education for Teachersprovides formal and non-formal educators with curriculum, materials, and training in water education for students K-12. The buckets are nicer than the rocks, because the rocks are too big for me sometimes, she says. We are no longer responding to a crisis, we are using the tools that we have to move forward in new and creative ways with all of these resources that we've never had before, says Martin Mackey, the project director of the DOEs Rethinking Remote Education Venture, or RREV, program. Have questions? Lastly, storage like sheds and storage boxes may be needed to house toys and play equipment, minimizing transporting things inside and out on a daily basis. Zac Lara, 10, started out the school year completely online and remote. With the right school furnishings, outdoor classrooms can be used year-round, plus remain a popular choice when infection control measures are in place. Get our educational materials and professional development by participating in an in-person workshop or an online course. I don't know why we haven't utilized the natural world as much [before the pandemic], Soule says. Outdoor learning can refresh instructional practices and bolster student engagement in both rural and urban schools. It can be a temporary space on the grounds of a school, a field trip to surrounding neighborhoods where students bring classroom supplies or a newly created outdoor oasis in a formally unused green space. Teachers are thrilled to have this outdoor space where students can be immersed in learning about nature. Youth can learn about the real world, they can learn about their relationship with their local environment, and they can connect with others in their community. For me, teaching outdoors will be an ongoing process in which I explore and develop new strategies along the way. He says Maine is ahead of the curve nationally. Gain confidence in your ability to teach outdoors even if youve never done it before. A range of playhouses for role play including some bespoke designs, Due to their smaller sizes, these outdoor classroom and shelters are ideal for nursery, reception and pre-school settings. What are the traditions of hunting, fishing, logging? Partners worked together to accurately count and record the 10 bundles (with 10 sticks in each) that they created. Then we labeled them to create our own arboretum. When given the opportunity to be creative, to be innovative and to be resourceful, Maine teachers and students will create things that we can't even imagine yet, but I would love for outdoor learning to be part of the norm, Mackey says. In this special feature article from the Children & Nature Network, author Jay Walljasper paints a picture of what Back-to-School 2020 could like all across Americawith green schoolyards offering a safer, more equitable middle ground in the wrenching decisions over in-person vs. online instruction. Explore neighborhood parks as a class or construct garden beds on school grounds to grow vegetables and flowers. Luisa Richardson. Member Benefits: Passport, Membercard & More. You can take learning outside of the classroom 365 days of the year, Promotes health and well-being as the children are outside in the fresh air, Offers shelter from the sun and rain and provides a space for relaxation and mindfulness, Applications for an outdoor classroom are multi-faceted reading, teaching, parent waiting shelters, community facility, nurture room and an outdoor eating area, Allows children to participate first hand with nature and their natural environment. These are awesome raised beds that will last a lifetime. Assemble a team. What does a sustainable future of those industries look like?. As one of my students recently told me, Sometimes you need to look for beautiful things in the most bizarre places. I am so grateful that I looked outside. This is something that's going to be good for our students long term, Teller says. It will be enjoyed for many years to come. Invite PTA members and team with local agencies and organizations who can provide resources and expertise. Edutopia and Lucas Education Research are trademarks or registered trademarks of the George Lucas Educational Foundation in the U.S. and other countries. Start small by bringing your class outdoors to do a read-aloud in the fresh air, or take a walk around the neighborhood to see what signs of nature you can discover using all your senses. And we only ever use high quality materials we dont believe in selling anything cheap because it will simply not last and will not stand up to the everyday demanding use of a typical school playground. Khalit Ibrahim, 10, has noticed that he feels more excited to come to school now. Download tools and resources from Green Schoolyards America for assessing and configuring your outdoor classroom, including a cost estimate tool and the ability to request assistance from a landscape designer in your area. Research shows there are social, emotional, physical, and academic benefits to outdoor learning. It is also a particularly windy day, but for Francis, thats part of the lesson. Please contact your administrator. For example, instead of writing indoors, the kids have been taking their nature journals outside to write about what they see, think, and wonder about there. With all of our outdoor classroom buildings, we have put together a comprehensive range of unique optional extras. I just felt this incredible gift in a time when we needed it the most because it brought so much joy.. Learning outside helps children reconnect with Nature. Available in metallic silver only or choose your ProShield color. Whether youre just starting out or youve had an outdoor classroom for years, here you will find the tools, training, community, and time-tested principles you need to: At Outdoor Classrooms, I make it simple to discover simple easy, cost-effective ways to start, develop, and enjoy your own one-of-a-kind outdoor classroomone that integrates perfectly with your curriculum, outdoor space, and budget. Engage students in STEM to examine the physical characteristics of leaves and investigate how they can be used to identify trees with Project Learning Trees Looking At Leaves activity. Check out these additional resources: Outdoor Learning A Solution for Schools During COVID 19 Expert Panel Recording: Now Portland Public Schools have become a national leader in outdoor education. Signs are used to welcome students and teachers to the space, plus serve as reminders for rules of use. PLTs Top Ten Tips for Teaching Outside Middle and High School: These essentials include items whiteboards, teaching carts and shelf carts, all with durable swivel casters to safely transport educational equipment and material. Join us for our enriching early childhood nature play class on Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00 am. There I learned about curriculum resources available to teachers, examples of what outdoor classrooms could look like, and support networks that teachers could access to make outdoor learning happen at their school. These top ten tips and tricks for preschool educators are sure to keep both students and educators engaged and excited to learn outside. My first graders explore the pool, stream, and pond with pails and magnifying glasses in hand. A comprehensive range of outdoor classroom buildings with a whole host of optional extras designed for outdoor learning skills, Enclosed outdoor classrooms to allow for all year round usage with options such as bi-fold doors and insulation, Uniquely designed Hobbit style outdoor classrooms and shelters which can also feature a central fire pit and cooking facility, Unique rustic and Gothic design of an enclosed outdoor classroom, Why not add a touch of magic and originality to your playground or Forest School with our beautifully crafted and original Outdoor Classroom Pod, The bigger version of our very popular outdoor classroom pods, The Rectangular Outdoor Classroom follows on the theme of an educational and functional building all rolled into one, Treehouses for school environments for outdoor play and outdoor learning programmes, Interactive sensory spaces using unique immersive technology. Outdoor classrooms with a heavy duty coated canvas roof. Last year, the district shifted Tellers role to outdoor learning coordinator. Get new inspiration, ideas, and resources for what, where, when, why, and how to teach outdoors. Each week will have a different theme with fun and engaging nature-based activities. 4. We trust that you will find below exactly what you are looking for but if there is something more specific in mind, please do let us know as we are always open to new suggestions. What does the recycling symbol represent? Know how to keep your students engaged, enthused, and learning well outsidein the rain, snow, or sun. Bay Chamber Concerts - Screen Door Festival, Facts About Maine Public's Federal Funding. Turning Education Inside Out: How Green Schoolyards Can Help Make Schools Safer This Falland Improve Kids Lives Permanently The ultimate design of any outdoor learning space is contingent on the age of the students who will be using it. The highlighted activities include: Here are some tips and lessons learned along the way: 1. We've noticed a decrease in the office referrals, Robinson says. By utilizing playground equipment elements, you can reinvent your traditional indoor classrooms and bring them outdoors! It's very fun to be outside instead of sitting inside all day. Our smooth top picnic tables are ideal for outdoor classrooms, activities or meals. Now we're committed to going deeper with that and deepening our understanding of what outdoor learning can be, and how important it can be for wellness for teachers and students.. That provides fertile ground to build that into our educational system on a broader scale.. While the district was responding to the immediate need for safer ventilation during the pandemic, Teller also knew there would be lasting benefits. Teller hired an outdoor learning liaison at each school to set up spaces and distribute resources. Its a beautiful day in early June, with blue skies and sun. Outfit an outdoor learning space that's both fun and functional with our big selection of outdoor furnishings. By the end of a single day, we had six outdoor classrooms ready to go. Seek funding. Each student is carrying a 5-gallon plastic bucket, which holds all of their supplies for their reading lesson; a notebook, pen, a book and a snack. Purchase 1 class and see if its a good fit. If anything in the book has a feeling of wind, like say the characters are running from something, it can get me more invested in it if I can feel the wind blasting on to me, Francis says. As the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted countless traditional learning environments, many schools and educators have begun to move classes outdoors. There is a lot to consider for teachers taking students outdoors for the first time. Read on for more recycling myths busted. There were outdoor adventure experts, carpenters, landscapers, and determined 4-year-olds wanting to roll tree stumps, nail plywood, level whiteboards, secure tarps, rake mulch, and clear trails through the woods. The backpack materials feature some of PLTs most popular activities to do outdoors, along with student pages and other supporting resources. Soule taught the morning math lesson inside, and now the students will spend the remainder of the school day outdoors. Alvin Rutanga, 9, says he hopes has outdoor classes again next year. Please complete the fields below to access the brochure. Soule is Maines 2021 Teacher of the Year, and she has taken her students outside nearly every day this past year. Now, its not only an integrated part of our day but also the most engaging part of our instructionand Ill continue to rely on it after the pandemic is over. Early learners can engage with activity panels as part of a playset, run over cedar bridges and explore the many wonders of water and sand using play tables. This is an update to a previously published article. That kind of engagement is why Soule, and other educators across Maine, say outdoor learning is something they want to continue into the next school year and beyond, even when its safe to go back into the classroom. SkyWays shade structures are available in a variety of heights, lengths, and coverage areas to fit any space and budget, to create a comfortable and safe learning environment. For example, contact your PLT State Coordinator and staff who work at local nature centers or parks. Volunteers make the difference! Assess the spaces around your school, and talk to community members about how they might be transformed into greener spaces. We have 6 now and can't be happier. Thanks for your suggestion! Email: victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com. Thanks Luisa, we really appreciate your suggestion for the PLT activity # 25 Birds and Worms found in PLTs PreK-8 Guide. Structures like tents can instantly create an outdoor learning environment, but their construction does not lend itself well to long-term outdoor use. The New York Times' recently reported how schools across American are moving classrooms outdoors. Welcome to Maine Publics Passport to Adventure! Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation The Internet Explorer (IE) browser is no longer supported. Outdoor classrooms will allow you to create more space to spread out for students, create variation in your teaching forms, provide a much needed mask break and provide children the opportunity to experience the benefits of outdoor learning. Before Covid-19 struck, outdoor learning in my classroom was confined to a few walks outdoors to visit the local pond and the stream running in the woods behind our school. And that starts with observation skills and looking at the land, looking at land use, looking at patterns, Prince says. PLTs Top Ten Tips for Teaching Outside Middle and High School: PLT activity # 25 Birds and Worms found in PLTs PreK-8 Guide, PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide Activity 51, Make Your Own Paper. Maines outdoors is a big part of what it means to be a Mainer. Our range of outdoor classrooms is one of the most varied and comprehensive in the UK and is certainly an area of specialisationfor our company. Prince and Teller are both part of the professional learning community. But also, I think people are realizing how important it is.. Other options include water butt and roof guttering systems for rainwater harvesting; roll-down canvas panels for the windows and doors to offer greater protection from the elements; access ramps; internal desks and whiteboards. So the Birds and Worms activity could be more accurate for bioregional literacy if it had a piece on native vs. introduced species maybe be Birds and ???. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. By continuing to use the playlsi.com website, you agree to the use of cookies. 2022 Landscape Structures Inc. All rights reserved. Choosing what furnishings are best depends on the type of outdoor school environment. Portable design offers a hook for students to hang their backpack and shelf to store classroom materials. To help teachers take maximum advantage of the outdoor classroom, myself and Ms. Whitehead, a Littlewood teacher, organized teacher trainings for them. Through the Nature Based Education Consortium, Broaddus supports educators across the state in implementing outdoor learning . He sits about six feet behind Chantel near the back of the canopy. They observe bird behavior, calculate the dollar value of trees, measure plant growth, and collect data on seasonal changes. Other furnishings like trash cans, outdoor signage and storage pieces are popular choices for permanent outdoor classrooms. 2121 K ST NW, SUITE 750, WASHINGTON, DC 20037 | 202-765-3641 | 80-0030060. Students are thrilled to find that they can make paper and that their product is practical, as well as beautiful. Now, the Portland school district is dedicating resources to expanding outdoor learning into the future. 2. Likewise, installing more permanent and durable furnishings like park benches and picnic tables makes more sense for outdoor classrooms with permanent features like garden beds, compost bins or greenhouses. 2019, SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE for assessing and configuring your outdoor classroom, including a cost estimate tool and the ability to request assistance from a landscape designer in your area. PLTs Top Ten Tips for Teaching Outside Early Childhood: They look great! Federal COVID-19 relief funding has allowed schools to expand outdoor learning by providing dollars to build new outdoor spaces and purchase gear like winter coats and boots. grant from Project Learning Tree. Actually going outside for an hour and a half is way better than sitting inside on a computer for an hour and a half, Zac says. Like Princes school, Robinsons district has been working on outdoor education efforts for the past five years. The end result will be well worth it! Get buy-in. What is an outdoor classroom? Managing the litter that accompanies outdoor play and work is to be expected, which is why having adequate trash receptacles will go a long way in daily upkeep. Outdoor learning has also become a fundamental part of a schools education programme especially since the advent of the pandemic where more children have been encouraged to be outside in all weathers. The possibilities for outdoor classrooms are limited only by the imagination. PLT IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE INC. A local landscape architect helped students envision what the site would look like and incorporated their ideas into a final drawing, The art teacher helped students make mosaic stepping stones and tree identification signs, Parent volunteers helped make the tree sign bases, A local graphic designer developed a bird sign, A local master gardener and the landscape architect helped students plan a pollinator garden.
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