Cultivating Outdoor Classrooms by Nelson Eric;

Author:Nelson, Eric; [Nelson, Eric M.; Jones Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Redleaf Press

Step 1: Where Are We? Evaluation, Information, Discussion

During this first step, you examine what is already there in your program and develop an understanding of the Outdoor Classroom. Staff members are introduced to the concept by observing and evaluating the existing “Outdoor Classroom” in which they work (the outdoor environment, the curricular program provided outdoors, and teacher practices outdoors), reading about the Outdoor Classroom, and having discussions to help them understand one another’s perceptions and interests. If the staff is not already a cohesive team, you should work toward creating such teamwork. The ease with which commitment to the Outdoor Classroom occurs largely depends on the extent of staff cohesiveness. Step 1 involves learning about the Outdoor Classroom through group discussions. Ideally, prior to or along with evaluation of the quality and completeness of a center’s existing outdoor program, practices, and environment, staff members obtain information about the Outdoor Classroom program. Having a basic understanding of its philosophy, principles, and practices helps you with evaluation. You may want to provide your colleagues with written information. Reading this book is one option. Others include the following:

•Conferences. Many ECE conferences offer sessions on outdoor learning. These may offer detailed introductions to the philosophy, principles, and practices of the Outdoor Classroom. Some conferences center around themes, such as outdoor learning or learning in nature.

•Workshops. Less complete and detailed than conferences and usually more narrow in scope, workshops can provide specialized understanding about outdoor learning.

•On-site training. Specialists in the field of outdoor learning, or specifically the Outdoor Classroom, provide on-site staff training. Such training, consisting of one or more events, may focus specifically on evaluation and discussion.

•Site visits. Staff members can visit other programs that have implemented the Outdoor Classroom. These visits provide direct examples of what others are trying to accomplish and allow staff members to talk with people who have been through the process.

•Staff-led discussions. Depending on the individuals and the training they have received, you may be able to lead one or more informational discussions for staff members.

At some point, you’ll find it’s time for a serious conversation among staff members. This needs to be a true conversation and not simply an edict that comes from the director. Unless everyone participates and feels he or she is part of the process, effective implementation of the Outdoor Classroom will be difficult.

The conversation will be unique to each center. The primary objective is for staff to determine exactly where they are and then to come to a consensus that moves them to the next step.

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