the outdoor classroom - center for early learning...
TRANSCRIPT
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
on
physic
al
soci
al
mat
h
literac
y
scienc
e
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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