Harness the benefits of the most interactive instruction possible: learning on school grounds, outside the four walls of the classroom. Conducting class outside offers many academic, social and emotional benefits for students. Studies link outdoor learning to improvement in attitudes toward school, increased student achievement, higher attendance, increased social development, and physical health benefits. Learning outdoors is even linked to a reduction of ADHD and ADD symptoms among some students. This workshop is designed for K-8 teachers who are new to conducting class outside and are looking to boost their skills with beginning level resources. Participants will become comfortable with conducting class outside on any type of school grounds (from urban concrete to rural forests) in order to engage and inspire students in learning. Guidelines, rules, safety considerations, resources and handouts will be provided so teachers have everything they need to lead confidently. Classroom management practices that fit within existing PBIS models and are specific to the outdoors will be discussed. The workshop will include time for collaboration and lesson planning, and a variety of ready-to-use activities will be supplied so teachers can implement outdoor learning right away.

This workshop is intended for K-8 teachers just beginning their adventure in teaching outdoors.

This workshop fulfills the DPI Environmental Education Stipulation.