The Outdoor Classroom - Center for Early Learning...

The Outdoor Classroom

Kick Off

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Session Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Evaluate their current outdoor space

• Learn strategies for providing open-ended materials that encourage problem solving and creativity and challenge children to construct knowledge in each RIELDS domain

• Implement a learning environment and plan experiences that maximize play as a vehicle for learning

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Today’s Agenda

• Reflection on Current Space

• Space design

• Choosing materials

• Teaching and facilitating outdoors

• Planning Documents

• Planning for first few weeks

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Pause to Play!

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Reflect: Self-Assessment

What are you already doing outdoors?

• What are your strengths?

• What are your needs?

• What are your roadblocks?

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Setting Up the Space

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Space Design

• Space for quiet play/resting

• Space for active play

• Space for whole group

• Space for small group

• Table space

• Dramatic play materials

• Gross motor equipment (fixed and moving parts)

• Access to sand and water

• Gardening

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Pause to Play!

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Natural Collections

• Rocks

• Stones

• Sticks

• Shells

• Leaves

• Pinecones

• Seasonal objects

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Sensory

• Sand

• Water

• Mud

• Herbs

• Plants

• Flowers

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Blocks and Building

• Tree cookies

• Stumps

• Large/small sticks

• Long fabric strips

• Clamps

• Tarp

• Duct tape

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Physical Health and Motor Health

• Climbing structures

• Places to practice balancing

• Bikes/scooters

• Space to run

• Tweezers/tongs

• Small blocks

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Mathematics

• Containers for collections and classification

• Collections of natural materials for counting/classifying

• Rulers

• String for measuring

• Chalk

• Scales

• Measuring cups/spoons

• Rain gauge

• Thermometer

• Numeral rocks

• Sticks of different sizes

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Language and Literacy

• Books

• Puppets

• Scarfs

• Dress-up clothes

• Stage area

• Pens and paper

• Clipboards

• Signs and labels

• Letter rocks and sticks

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Science

• Nonfiction books/guides/science journals

• Bird feeders

• Binoculars

• Magnifying glasses

• Bug jars

• Nets

• Balls

• Ramps

• Blocks

• Natural materials

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Creativity

• Paint

• Paper

• Markers/crayons

• Musical instruments

• Woodworking

• Dress-up clothes

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Social Studies

• Dramatic play area

• Mud kitchen

• Pots and pans

• Utensils

• Books

• Dress-up clothes

• Large building materials

• Loose parts

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Pause to Play!

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The Teacher’s Role

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7 Roles During Play

1. Observer: To determine whether or not children need assistance or change

2. Planner: To create an environment conducive to play with space, time, materials, and appropriate language

3. Responder: To provide feedback on what children are doing or saying, not directions, co-playing, or asking for instructions

4. Collaborator: To extend children’s play by adding a new toy or prop or by asking a question that elaborates on but does not change the theme of the play

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7 Roles During Play (cont.)

5. Model: To actively join in the play and model a particular behavior or role relevant to the ongoing theme, or to play parallel to children

6. Mediator: To mediate during conflicts, disputes, or individual levels of frustration using strategies to help children develop their own solutions

7. Monitor of Safety: To create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment

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Pause to Play!

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Planning Documents

Outdoor Planning

Area Big Ideas/Goals Materials Teachers Role Play Promts

Blocks/Building

Sand/Mud/Water

Tables

Garden

Art/Music

Dramatic Play

Gross Motor Play

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Planning Documents

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inspirati

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physic

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soci

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mat

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literac

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scienc

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loose

parts

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Pause to Play!

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Resources

• KOOP- Kinder Open Outdoor Play

• Children in Nature Network

• URI Free Seed Program

• South Side Community Land Trust

• Rodger Williams Park Zoo Big Backyard

• Rhode Island Audubon Society

• The Outdoor Classroom Project

• Nature Explore

• LISC

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Contact Information

Meghan Roblesmrobles@edc.org

401-734-1288

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