"Imagine if the world was your classroom"
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What is an Outdoor Classroom?
An Outdoor Classroom is a way of bringing learning to life for both the child and educator. Its a space in the nature that brings learning outdoors. A gathering area for both the children and educators to come together and learn . It is a classroom opportunity that provides and connects nature into the school area. Having children go outside and experience nature at first hands, can help build and bring learning to life.
The Outdoor Classroom provides seating, a area stage for teaching along with natural materials for children to investigate and explore with . The Outdoor Classroom may take place in a area with benches , in a garden or a natural space of area ;such as forests or juts a field. There is really no fix or standard design for a outdoor classroom. However the key to a best outdoor classroom is what best fits the school area and needs of the school as well as children.
https://fef.td.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/TD-OutdoorClassroomGuide_ENG_FINAL.pdf
http://www.mbteach.org/library/Archives/SpecialSections/10_ENVIRO-ED/classrooms.html
The key features of the Outdoor Classroom are:
The Outdoors : Primary Environment for Children:
Spending time outdoors is an great learning environment for both the child and educator. The learning that occurs outdoors is different then the learning indoors. It is essential that the outdoor environment provides a rich base of materials for children to explore with , just as much as they would explore with in the indoor classroom. We should allow children to move freely and easily between the indoor and outdoor classroom. Most importantly, adults should not treat one area of learning more academically better than the other area of learning.
Give a chance for children to play freely on their own:
Children have rights, a right on whether they want to be included in an activity or not. They also have the right to establish their very own activity. Children can explore , investigate , observe and imagine lots of things as they wish, either alongside with peers, educators or alone.
For example: David Thornburg ,a educationalist mentioned the many ways children learn through the metaphor of campfire, watering hole and cave." Where children meet in the":
Campfire: in contact with experts
Watering hole: in contact with peers
Cave: in contact with self
This explains that children learn through experts such as with educators etc , they also can learn through peers and last and most importantly, some children learn through being alone by being in contact with self.
Here is an illustration of the metaphor of the "campfire, watering hole and cave":
For more information on the illustration please visit: http://tcpd.org/Thornburg/Handouts/Campfires.pdf
Learning-Takes Time for children:
Many adults tend to rush children in most daily routines, due to busy scheduling. When children feel pressured or rushed they are more likely to hold back than gain any learning. Just like adults are best equip to learn in a relaxed state of mind, children feel the exact same. Children need time to process learning to gain new skills. Therefore, the outdoor classroom enables children to spend as much time as they would like outdoors without any confinement. Time and freedom go both hand and hand; the amount of time we give children is related to the amount of freedom they get.
Children need Physical Activity on a daily basis:
Physical activity is essential for a child's early development and overall health. Therefore, outdoor classrooms offer and provide opportunities for physical movements, motor skills, social play, and exploration .
A variety of Activities:
The outdoor classroom strongly consider: what children learn indoors , can also be learned outdoors with much more exploration. Both indoor and outdoor learning spaces form a learning environment for the children. The outdoor classroom also offers "developmentally appropriate activities", which are activities based on the child's ability and are not forced on the child.
Curriculum:
Curriculum is one of the most important aspect in ECE. Instead of teacher-directed curriculum, the outdoor classroom offers children to connect with things that are an interests to them. Planning an inquiry base curriculum based on what is happening in a child's day and what they come across with in the outdoors. Educators should be present to observe, wait , listen and respond to child's needs and strengths and adding it to their daily curriculum planning.
Engagement of both child and Educator:
The real learning occurs when children are fully engaged with the environment and or with other individuals around their space. Educators that are supportive, attentive listeners and engaged help in supporting children to build and co- construct their own learning and knowledge.
http://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/2013/what-is-the-outdoor-classroom
A video: An example of a outdoor Classroom :
Inly School's Outdoor Classroom in the United States- includes rock wall, outdoor gardens, ropes, and much more . A place where children can learn , explore , investigate and discover the outdoor nature . Find out more at http://www.inlyschool.org
Here is more Information on BUILDING OUTDOOR
CLASSROOMS: A guide for successful fundraising
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The purpose of this guide is to help
What the handbook includes if interested is :
1.What is an Outdoor Classroom
2.Checklist: Is your school prepared to implement an outdoor classroom?
3.10 Tips for successful applications
4.Organizational Chart
5.Funding options for your outdoor classroom
6.Your outdoor classroom
• Getting Started
• Things to Consider
7. Budget and Maintenance
8. References
9. Case Studies
10. Resources
Click on the link for more information : https://fef.td.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/TD-OutdoorClassroomGuide_ENG_FINAL.pdf
- Inspire you to get started on a outdoor classroom in your own school
- Help in supporting the school and community
- To successfully develop a outdoor classroom
What the handbook includes if interested is :
1.What is an Outdoor Classroom
2.Checklist: Is your school prepared to implement an outdoor classroom?
3.10 Tips for successful applications
4.Organizational Chart
5.Funding options for your outdoor classroom
6.Your outdoor classroom
• Getting Started
• Things to Consider
7. Budget and Maintenance
8. References
9. Case Studies
10. Resources
Click on the link for more information : https://fef.td.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/TD-OutdoorClassroomGuide_ENG_FINAL.pdf