Wild Learning answers a call in the educational community for practical, easy-to-implement activities that bring core curriculum out of the classroom and into the outdoors. Outdoor learning has risen in popularity in recent years, and it has tremendous benefits. Being outside is healthier, helps children form a strong connection to the natural world, supports a variety of learning styles, increases engagement and motivation, and improves mental health. This book gives teachers practical activities that they can immediately implement, and helps educators overcome common barriers to outdoor instruction. These activities can be done in common outdoor spaces that are accessible to teachers in all school settings, and they are adaptable to their current curriculum - not an extra thing to try to fit into their day.
- Get ideas for fun outdoor activities that cover core subject matter already being taught
- Take learning outside, taking advantage of commonly accessible areas, no matter the educational setting
- Help students develop a healthy appreciation of the outdoors and support hands-on learning styles
- Support students' physical and mental health without sacrificing learning time
This book is a much-needed resource for elementary and special education teachers, as well as those in alternative schools, forest schools, and homeschooling parents.
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Benefits of teaching outdoors 1
Zones of accessibility 4
01 Planning and preparation 13
A place to gather 13
Safety considerations 17
Getting parents on board with outdoor learning 19
Planning classroom outdoor time and classroom management 19
Dressing for the weather: Gear for kids and adults 21
Creating a positive outdoor experience for students and teachers 29
Materials for outdoor learning 30
Final thoughts 33
02 Lessons in the schoolyard 34
The wonders of chalk 34
Learning games for the schoolyard 51
Using natural materials 68
Utilizing the schoolyard 93
Final thoughts 104
03 Visiting the neighborhood 105
Walking adventures 106
Final thoughts 149
04 Exploring farther afield 150
The plants and animals around us 150
Developing a sit spot practice 189
Final thoughts 196
05 Inviting nature indoors 197
A nature- inspired class meeting 197
Cultivating nature appreciation and curiosity throughout the year 204
Final thoughts 217
Acknowledgments 219
About the Website 220
Index 221
