Taking Learning Outside - a series to equip educators begins on a beautiful fall day
It was a picture perfect autumn day when educators gathered October 25th at Luke Jensen Sports Park's community room for the first session of ESD112's Taking Learning Outside series. Educators from across the southwest Washington region joined a panel of experts to learn together about tips, tools and techniques for outdoor learning experiences.
The session, Authentic Engagement Outside, included a wide range of topics, starting with setting expectations with students on the differences between recess and outside learning. While both are important, outdoor learning starts with slowing down to observe ("walk in the garden"), learning about which plants are ready to engage with ("wait to be invited"), being open to learning new things ("listen with respect") and pausing to calm and be ready to learn ("take a deep breath").
“It was great to see teachers from across several districts and within districts connect and share ideas and experiences with outdoor learning. Educators, even within the same district, aren’t often given collaboration time and so I’m glad that we were able to provide that space for collaboration. ”
Here are a few things educators shared that they took away from that day:
Outdoor learning can be applied to any topic. I need to discover how to implement it in my school.
Take your kids outside! SAMR! Get more grants! There’s a ton of resources.
Good habits to instill when teaching outdoor activities (walking, deep breaths, being respectful).
Small activities to relate life science to students and open ended conversation
I was given practical lessons that take take students outdoors that I will implement. I am going to implement the “Sot Spot” routine weekly and want to take students on a walking field trip to different areas. Also going to do it to kickoff the lessons at outdoor school.
I enjoyed the introduction to ideas for a school garden stations with behavior management ideas, I also plan to try the sit spot activity
There are grants to receive native plants and wintering a garden does not have to cost a lot of money.
Stories help make things stick
Everyone deserves the opportunity to connect with nature
Educators learned about the benefits of going outside, connecting to curriculum goals, specific activities, and using all of the senses to heighten learning. There were lots of sharing ideas, connections with other educators and team building amongst the group. The sunshine sure helped everyone enjoy the day, but teachers learned about simple 5 minute activities they could do to connect with nature, regardless of what PNW weather may come our way.
“Outdoor education is just so important on so many levels - it really can’t be overstated. We know that hands-on learning in natural settings is especially engaging for young minds; students are also building personal connections with nature and food, increasing their mental and physical health, and becoming passionate and capable stewards of their communities and their world. I’m grateful for these inspiring educators who are showing up and doing the good work.”
“The overwhelming response to this teacher training is really inspiring, teachers are excited to take kids outside! It would be great if this could continue to build the movement where outside time is part of our region’s culture for learning, play and wellness in schools. The research supports all of these amazing benefits and we hope to get more teachers, administrators and staff excited about outside learning.”
The rest of the Taking Learning Outside series will be a combination of virtual trainings and in-person hands on learning. One of the most exciting parts of the day was community building. Teachers are not alone in their wanting to get kids outside, together we can strengthen the network of educators and partners to get more kids equitable access to nature!
