It’s that time of year when every teacher begins to set expectations with their new class – and we all know that a solid foundation in this area can make for a successful year!
Just like any indoor classroom setting, successful outdoor learning begins with setting clear expectations too. In this blog post, we’ve put together a quick guide to ensuring your rules and regulations are firmly in place, to ensure a smooth start to outdoor learning.
Setting Expectations Before Going Out
Before you even step foot outside, it’s crucial to ensure that your class understands what’s about to happen and what is expected of them. Spend some time introducing the activity inside: you can use this as an opportunity to create a sense of anticipation and excitement for the outdoor adventure ahead, as well as emphasising a positive and caring attitude towards themselves, each other, and the environment. Some creative ways to introduce the concept of outdoor learning include:
- Introduction with a Hook
Start by grabbing your class’s attention with something that will draw them to the outdoors. Consider a surprise invitation or parcel that invites them to visit a local woodland or engage in an environmental investigation. Or you could send an invitation letter or email, and arrange for a package filled with items that spark curiosity and discussions about the upcoming topic.
- Share a Story
Choose a captivating story that connects with the theme of outdoor learning. This story can serve as a bridge between the indoor and outdoor experiences, allowing students to visualise and prepare for what’s to come.
Managing the Transition to the Outdoors
The transition time between the classroom and the outdoors is a key point to set the right mood and mindsetfor outdoor learning. Engage your students in hands-on activities that encourage exploration and awareness of the natural environment, with focus and precision. Our favourite examples include:
- Immersing Activities
Give each child a simple cardboard tube to focus their attention on various aspects of their surroundings. Whether it’s observing living things, animal habitats, patterns, or specific letters, this will help to engage their senses and spark curiosity.
- Slow, Quiet Walking
Encourage children to walk slowly and quietly, which heightens their awareness and appreciation of the natural world. Ask them to identify one aspect of their environment for each of their senses ie. One thing you can hear, taste, see, feel, smell. This will encourage them to tune in to their senses and retain an atmosphere of concentration and calm.
Delivering the Main Activity
Once your class has settled into the outdoor environment, it’s time to dive into the main activity. This activity serves as the heart of the outdoor learning experience and offers a central focus for exploration and discovery. It’s a wise idea to create a main activity ‘hub’ – Just as you would have a “carpet” activity indoors. This involves asking the class to spread out from a central point to engage in the activity and then return to discuss and share their findings. This structure maintains a sense of connection and purpose.
Returning Back to the Classroom
As your outdoor learning session draws to a close, the transition back to the classroom provides a great opportunity to reinforce the lessons learned. During the walk back to school, encourage students to discuss and reflect on their outdoor experience. This helps solidify their understanding and allows them to share insights and observations with each other.
Top Tips for Outdoor Classroom Management
Transitioning to outdoor learning may present unique challenges for teachers, especially those who are new to this approach. Here are some quick and effective tips to ensure a smooth and successful outdoor classroom experience:
Sun Direction: When addressing students, position yourself to face the sun so that they’re not blinded by its glare.
Routines and Rituals: Create predictable routines, such as starting and ending with a circle discussion. Incorporate rituals or cues to signify the transition to the outdoor space.
Exploration: Begin each outdoor class with a moment for students to observe and acknowledge their surroundings. This helps reduce distractions later on.
Call Back: Establish a signal that alerts students when it’s time to regroup. This is especially useful for activities that involve exploration away from the main group.
Starting fresh with outdoor learning offers an exciting opportunity to engage your new class – and we hope these tips help you to get off on the right foot!
