THE FLEXIBILITY OF A MIRROR

Throughout my research on outdoor classrooms, I came across my own theme that I started to consistently see. This was regarding blackboards and mirrors in the outdoor classroom. Blackboards are mainly used for writing skills and pre-literacy skills but the mirrors were used in various different intriguing ways. I think its important to have mirrors outside for self-awareness and for lots of discovery. Let's explore the different ways to use a mirror:

This child is exploring itself with the different animals in a mirror format. 

Children are naturally curious about themselves. This curiosity starts at a very young age. 

Check out various kinds of mirrors for the outdoors:

http://www.tts-group.co.uk/shops/tts/Range/Outdoor-Signs/e8ca8ac6-b3f9-469f-b5a5-96acea6f085b?pagesize=-1

This area serves as an exploration/science centre as well as a watering hole. This mirror is great to use when exploring paint and various textured materials. Children are also given the opportunity to share their finds by sitting in a small group and at a round table. 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=407839642607929&set=a.407837829274777.91418.245263905532171&type=3&src=https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/625479_407839642607929_1140453246_n.jpg&size=960,720

This mirror is used similarly to the picture above. This mirror is a place for discovery for anything and everything outside. The learning is endless using mirrors outside and children also come up with many different ways to use a mirror that educators don't even think of. Providing children with open-ended materials and freedom in the outdoor classroom their learning is endless. Pedagogical listening is also an important part of the outdoor classroom because children may discover new ideas based on what they say that you may not. 

http://cadwellcollaborative.com/vea-vecchi-beauty-and-ethics-are-foundational-for-our-future/

"CAMPFIRES"

Campfires are another aspect to Thornburgs metaphors for learning in the 21st century. Campfires are areas where the entire group meets together to share ideas and build upon other peoples perspectives and opinions about various topics.  In the outdoor classroom, this is an area that children and the educators can share their findings in the natural world. This is where part of children's social skills are developing in the outdoor classroom.  Every child experiences and explores things differently and this is where the children learn from one another.

   

Take a look at a simpler explanation of Thornburg's ideas

ed.org/sites/events.core-ed.org/files/Caves-campfires-wateringholes.pdf

"CAVES" IN THE NATURAL WORLD

 In the outdoor classroom, it is important for educators to provide and allow children to have quiet space and a place they can have privacy. This is a great area for children to take time out for themselves. This is an area for children to develop their self-regulation skills. This can be done by learning that when they are feeling; angry, frustrated, or sad, there is a place for them to go where they know they can calm themselves down.   As well,this can be a place for educators to foster literacy development. Thornburg's approach involves caves, campfires and water holes. 

             

The links below will help you better understand Thornburg's approach. 

http://my.senecacollege.ca/bbcswebdav/pid-5202769-dt-content-rid-8657409_2/courses/EAD610BB.AHNH.20141/campfires.pdf

http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Oct_04/invited01.htm

THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING CHILDREN LEARN OUTSIDE

Check out this video on the importance of facilitating outdoor learning. 

My favourite part of this video is the beginning when the children are describing what happens in the outdoor classroom.  Children need to learn that failing at something is okay and what you do after you fail is important. They are taught that if you fail... you try again! I think this is a crucial skill children must learn to succeed in life. 

The Outdoor Classroom Project in Santa Barbara County is proving that you can do the exact same learning inside as you do outside BUT outside there is more freedom for both the educator and the child. Another important point that they made is that usually going outside insinuates, educators inside for paper work and the children outside for recess. The outdoor classroom uses the outdoors to be a tool in the learning process. 

For more information about the The Outdoor Classroom Project:

http://outdoorclassroomproject.org/ocp-community/demonstration-site-network/santa-barbara-county/

A CONTEST TO WIN THE BEST PRIZE

CBC news covers a contest that is called, "Trees of Knowledge." The school that won received $20,000 to build an outdoor classroom. The companies that funded this contest are Majesta and Tree Canada. They saw the value in having an outdoor classroom for children to learn about science and math but also to extend their learning into other areas of development. The importance of learning outdoors needs to be addressed because it benefits the child as a whole. 

In today's world, more children are learning through their technology than learning with concrete materials. It is important that we don't forget about educating children with hands-on experiences.  

Children want to be outdoors more! Take a look at this inspiring video:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/outdoor-classroom-projects-compete-for-20k-prize-1.1205936

The Majesta company continues to hold competitions each year to donate money to schools to create an outdoor classroom. Check out this video of the schools that have received this donation to build an outdoor classroom.

http://www.majestatreesofknowledge.ca/?__lsa=52ef-bb21

REPLACING "SCREEN TIME" WITH "NATURE TIME"

Richard Louv coined the term, "nature deficit disorder." Here is an article that discusses the possible consequences for not giving children adequate time to be outside with nature. 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/kids-need-to-offset-screen-time-with-nature-time-1.2543165

CAN YOU HAVE THE SAME CENTRES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE?

THE ANSWER...YES!! In fact, I believe that sometimes more learning can take place outside in the natural world. Take a look at this twitter account:

https://twitter.com/Teachertools_

There is some discussion about how to use various natural material in order to create learning and discovery. 

An educator can facilitate each learning centre outside. As well, allowing children to discover their own learning with guidance can create magical learning,  Without providing material, children are naturally curious about the world around them. It is important that educators allow room for children to explore on their own. 

The educators role is to provide children with substantial learning environments. These environments are the tool for children to grow and development through their experiences. An outdoor classroom is an avenue that will naturally allow for this to occur. 

Imagine the discovery that is taking place in the pictures below!

EXPERIMENTING, DISCOVERING, AND LEARNING!

Investigating the outdoor classroom has opened my mind. Going through many different pictures, other peoples blogs and various Pinterest accounts, I came across a blog that really stood out to me. It was all about how to use your school space, with limited resources, but facilitate the world of discovery for the children. This particular school used their fences around their outdoor area to contribute to learning. Take a look at the children's outdoor play space. 

http://creativestarlearning.co.uk/art-music-outdoors/its-a-fence-party-come-and-see/

(For more pictures and information, click on the blog above)

The work done by the children and the staff as shown me, you don't need lots of money to facilitate learning, discovery and investigation. What is necessary to continue educating children is an imagination, creativity and having an open-mind. This really indicates to me that this school focuses on what the children want. Ultimately, the children's learning will increase if they are in the right environment to grow and learn. 

THE BENEFITS OF TAKING LEARNING OUTSIDE

Children need to be exposed to the natural world. Although you can bring the natural world inside, it is not the same as experiencing it in its form. The outdoor classroom facilitates learning in all areas of development. The obvious is science and math but it goes beyond that. Children are constantly communicating with educators and their peers about what they are exploring. This is a perfect example of the outdoor classroom facilitating social development. 

                Imagine all of the learning that is taking place in this photo above?

Take a look at "Creative Education"  10 reasons why to take learning outside!

http://www.creativeeducation.co.uk/blog/index.php/2011/06/learning-outside-the-classroom/