TEACHING IN THE DIRT: DESIGNING OUTDOOR CLASSROOM E-COURSE
Now Open for Registration!

Great things are happening here at Outdoor Classrooms. Behind the scenes we have been working tirelessly towards launching our first e-course! Meanwhile, in my workshops this week,  I continued to listen to the diversity of outdoor classroom design challenges educators are faced with. From Astro-turf playgrounds, a run down camp in the woods to a basic church garden. I hear the variety of obsticles these very different spaces present and see clearly how each of these gardens can use use the same outdoor design elements to create a successful Outdoor Classroom.

Are you a parent or teacher that would like to take your classroom outdoors? Are you interested in creating beautiful and engaging outdoor environments for children? Do you get stuck in “overwhelm” each time you think about creating an Outdoor Classroom? Join our community of Natural Teachers and transform your definition of “classroom.” Explore how the little changes you can make in your outdoor environment can impact the development of the child.

We can do this! We can create thoughtful outdoor spaces where children and elders can explore, imagine and discover the natural world around them. We can design Outdoor Classrooms for children of all ages to engage in endless possibilities for playful learning. Get inspired and travel on this adventure with a group of Natural Teachers. Share your experiences, pictures and stories in our virtual classroom.

Teaching in the Dirt: Designing Outdoor Classrooms E-Course
Now Open for Registration!
LIMITED TIME OFFER $49.99
Regular price: $99.99

DESCRIPTION:

During my time cultivating Children’s Gardens and Outdoor Classrooms, I learned first hand the power of reconnecting children with nature. My research shed light on the advantages schools with outdoor classrooms have on teaching and learning.

Teaching in the Dirt: Designing Outdoor Classroom is a self-paced e-course designed to support teachers and parents through the process of transforming thoughtful outdoor learning spaces for children and elders. We will explore the importance of outdoor learning, design elements and sustainability of your outdoor classroom. We will also discuss intentional teaching and playful learning; along with, hands on-minds learning.

This video-based e-course introduces basic outdoor design elements, provides simple guidelines and tool shed of resources. You will be inspired to “dig in” and create your own outdoor learning spaces! You will also have access to helpful “Take Action” worksheets, links to relevant research, products and resources. As a community we will have the opportunity to look at the evolution of each other’s outdoor learning spaces. Natural Teachers will receive practical feedback and support as they post before and after photo’s.

Course Outline:
Module 1: Getting Started
• The Importance of Outdoor Learning
• Intentional Teaching and Playful Learning
• Finding Clarity: Four Types of Gardens

Module 2: Design Options
• Designing with Simple Outdoor Elements
• Theme Gardens as Learning Stations
• Design Challenges: Become a Possibilitarian

Module 3: Sustainability
• Behind the Scenes
• Creating a Master Plan
• Certify your Outdoor Classroom

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