A growing chorus of scientists and researchers agree: time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier and less stressed...It even makes us nicer, more empathetic humans, with more meaningful relationships and increased community involvement. When students develop a keener awareness of the sounds, smells and sight in life around them they develop an appreciation of the natural world and their role in protecting it. They learn to become more aware of the safety and actions of themselves and others. (Paragraph: David Suzuki Foundation, 2021)
Teachers can provide students with an opportunity to participate safely in outdoor education activities by accessing the community spaces around their school. The schoolyard, local parks and urban trails provide a backdrop for sparking students' interest and curiosity in the outdoors.
Tips to Consider
Teachers might begin by engaging students in a Read Aloud session outdoors with a book related to getting outside, the environment or the natural world around them. Teachers may also consider providing students with silent reading time outside, integrating an active math lesson (for example, measurement), or a science experiment, or engaging students in an active outdoor education activity as part of Daily Physical Activity (DPA). Teachers may then build on these learning experiences to incorporate one or more outdoor education lessons in the natural surroundings near the school. These outdoor education learning experiences will develop routines and a class culture that lends itself well to outdoor education learning, and assist teachers in building their repertoire of ideas and knowledge/skills to engage students in outdoor education activities. Educators might ask themselves these questions to assist them in planning outdoor education activities:
- What spaces are available and easily accessible in my community?
- What community partnerships might I connect with for resources, funding or expertise?
- What funds might be available from my board?
- What grants or funds might be available from local community organizations?
- What experiences can I plan that are accessible for all my students - no money and equipment needed?
- Where can I start to increase my confidence and competence to engage my students in outdoor education activities?
- What daily practices can I engage in to increase my awareness of the natural world in and around the school?
Reference
David Suzuki Foundation. (2021). One Nature Challenge.
