Outdoor Classroom Management

Kristine Hahn Community Food Systems Educator

Based on Life Lab’s webinar Outdoor Classroom Management http://www.lifelab.org/2014/10/outdoor-classroom-management-webinar/

Outdoor Classroom Management

Half of the effectiveness of teaching is due to

…especially outside

Group Management

…not just content

What is Classroom Management?

“Set up optimal conditions for kids to learn”

How can we do that outside?

Especially when being outside = RECESS

Set up Clear Expectations

• Go over it often

• Bring existing classroom behavior system outside Example: Points, privileges, etc.

• Brainstorm garden rules with students

• Make a “Garden Rules” sign and post it in the garden – keep it simple

Set Up Clear Expectations

• Tool Safety Sign • Role play correct

tool use before they are handed out

• Specific Procedures for Specific Tools and Tasks

• Signs showing good tool use

Make Good Behavior Easy

• Wide, well-marked paths

• Clearly labelled beds & plants

• Posters featuring your students demonstrating

good behavior • Map clean-up with a visual sign

Follow Through

• Immediately take away tool & give them another task

• Zero tolerance for bad behavior

Change Perspective

• Establish yourself as the Leader

• Refer to title of space as The Garden Classroom • Post a sign • Have a circular area

where everyone has eye contact with the Leader

• Reinforces it’s a CLASSROOM Not Recess !

Minimize Distractions

• Install a fence or a living fence

..but there will always be

Teachable Moments

• Put agenda aside for a moment…

..and observe and Ask Questions

Personal Relationships

• Learn names - Name tags - Name games

• Take time to do things that build strong relationships with students

- Icebreakers, team building

Organization is Key

• Break into smaller groups/teams when possible

• Get parent volunteer, Master Gardener, student intern to help

• Make sure all students/teams have specific task to do

Organized Routine

• 1st, Gather together & review plan/activities - Garden Work Assignments - Gardening Learning Activity

* Always have back pocket activities for early finishers: mulch, turning compost

- Review behavior expectations

Garden Learning Assignments

• Tie learning assignment to what is being taught in class

• Clipboards are essential for doing worksheets in the garden

• Choose hands-on activities that bring concepts to life

Participation

• Have choices available for students to choose from

• Demonstrate activity/task to ensure everyone understands how to do it

A. L. Holmes students participating in Pollination game Spring 2012

Questions ?