[Note- Here are the notes I took that day, edited for clarity]
Notes – Day 3 Session 2
Nature-based outdoor classrooms: Studying the elements that make them effective educational environments and the impact teachers and administrators identify for themselves and for children
Research
1 1/2-hour session — limit 4 presenters
All Children
11/4/2016 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Platinum Ballroom HI
JW Marriott
Samuel Dennis, Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Christine Kiewra, Research Director, Dimensions Educational Research Foundation/Nature Explore
The number of natural outdoor classrooms is increasing, however we don’t know enough about how they are being used or how their use is affecting children. Our primary aim in this study was to determine the ways in which the design of these nature-based outdoor classrooms supported or did not support intended learning and developmental outcomes. In the pilot study, semi-structured interviews allowed open–ended answers to questions connecting specific design elements to expected outcomes. There is strong evidence for the positive impact of nature-based experiences on children’s learning, physical health, behavior, and emotional wellbeing. While this evidence is compelling, there is still a need to educate decision-makers on the vital importance of nature-based play and learning in children. In addition, teachers and administrators who are already involved with outdoor classrooms would benefit from knowing what aspects of outdoor classroom design work best to support the positive impacts of nature-based play and learning.
research based evidence
and practice based evidence
attention restoration theory
that natural spaces restore attention
instead of measuring kids, they measured teachers perceptions
post occupancy study of nature based classrooms
Design of class
kid scaled spaces
hide holes, nooks and crannies
quiet play, emotional regulation
many
using boundary spaces
flexibility
move things when they don’t work
importance of maintenance
for community involvement
outreach and a way to teach about these areas
importance of being certified
demonstration site
to be connected to more than one site
“we are basing ours on..”
being connected to a network
longer exploration
fewer negative behaviors
more cooperation play
they compared time spent on swing/ slide vs stones
more loose parts the better
wide variety of small scaled settings ((photos))
presenter explained “affordances” concept (sitting in chair – perfect example)
Not just a playspace or free play
How can I implement curriculum outdoors?
It takes the teacher to point out the math in play
You give them the experiences, the terminology will come later
Gardening and health
healthy eating
[green smoothie?]
teaching in nature’s classroom – gardening resource
http://www.teachinginnaturesclassroom.org/
talk about how exciting it is to be teaching these things in the space
art, music, movement. dramatic play
kids create new partnerships (have someone move a log)
It helps teachers feel more effective, rather than the traffic cop
it’s not the earth that’s broken – it is the relationship
We do have to trust our supervision with the environment – be there investigating with the children
Ask questions like, “I wonder what kind of day that spider has had?”
started central park curriculum – then they [kids] know what to do with the space
workshops do make a difference
Examples of areas in an outdoor classroom
messy materials
building (blocks)
sand
water
art and music
nature art area
Andy Goldsworthy – nature artist
cannot have too few flat surfaces [remember the girls using the monkey bars step]
tuned instruments – xylophones
not cookie cutter
make spaces resonate with children
[[space for sound, but so it doesn’t travel to other classes? — EDIT: my solution]]
we want plants to be played with
plants to play, don’t tell the children ‘no’
talk to nursery – what are plants that CAN take it
Entry
learning with nature idea book
outdoorclassroomproject
Have events in the space:
drumming with dads
flutes with moms
weekly events together
maintenance costs – get help, eagle scout projects?
slides
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The positive performance was overwhelming contributed to the many choices in materials, settings, and play affordances; and the provision of a wide variety of small, child scaled settings
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Mentally refreshed
Teachers felt refreshed, renewed, patient, able to respond sensitively and able to give attention to children who need it
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use of plant material to create special places
“Often on the edge of more well-defined areas – such as underneath boundary shrubs – these spaces supported a number of positive behavioral and emotional outcomes. These include self-calming, solitary experiences.. help in recovery from overwhelming sensory stimuli, and a strong connection to a special place.”
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“Children, in their moments of wonder, know the world the way it truly is: more of a gorgeous celebratory event: than an object to be used manipulated, or studied.
Children know intuitively, as do many poets and mystics, that every being has its own voice and own dignity.”
Thomas Berry, Dream of the Earth
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