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The Seedling BLOG

What It Takes To Create Extraordinary Outdoor Experiences in Urban Settings

  • Posted by Victoria Hackett
  • Categories The Seedling BLOG
  • Date August 2, 2016
  • Comments 2 comments

What It Takes To Create 

Extraordinary Outdoor Experiences

in Urban Settings

The magic word is BOUNDARIES!

Are you a teacher that teaches in an urban setting? Do you ever dread taking kids outdoors because they are going to “run wild” and get out of control? Is your outdoor space full of asphalt? These are challenges that I hear all the time from teachers, directors and educators. They simply do not know where to begin. I am here to tell you there is magic at the end of the rainbow!

Today I want to introduce the essence of BOUNDARIES and how the concept of providing boundaries leads children to a sense of security. Children respond to open space very differently depending on their age. Boundaries can provide a remarkable solution for learning outdoors. Maria Montessori believes there is “freedom in a controlled environment.” For me, the magic is in creating boundaries that are essentially a variety of Outdoor Learning Stations which, in turn, provides more choices and opportunity for children to playfully learn outdoors.

20150713_092027_resized

Here are 5 Boundary Ideas for Outdoor Learning Stations:

Boundary #1: Rainbow Tarps

  • Different colored tarps define space for children
  • Each tarp represents a different Outdoor Learning Station
  • Natural Materials can be easily introduced

Boundary #2: “Side Walk” Chalk Walk

IMAG0361

  • Creating “side-walk” boxes defines space for children
  • Each child works “inside” the box
  • Directions are simple, clear and concise

Boundary #3: Garden Boxes/Boats

  • Container Gardens are a simple way to add to “green”
  • Decorate, plant and watch your garden grow!
  • Add Words and Grow Literacy!

Boundary #4: Games: 4 Square & Jump RopeIMAG0358

  • Kids love games!
  • 4 Square is easy to add and creates another option!

Boundary #5: Stick Frames

  • Large sticks are a wonderful additional to the urban garden
  • Children can create a variety of large shapes & can sit “inside” or “outside” their shapes
  • Older children can explore how to create a “box” with sticks20150713_095634_resized

Now it is time to hear from you? Do you use Boundaries in your Outdoor Classroom? What Outdoor Learning Stations to you have? Share your Boundary Ideas in the comments below.

A big shout out to the REAL Program in Lynn, MA. Thank you for inviting me to your community program! It has been an honor and a pleasure to share my love of the Outdoors in your Urban Setting.

 

 

author avatar
Victoria Hackett

ABOUT VICTORIA:
My mission is for every child in every school to have access to an Outdoor Classroom. Therefore, I inspire educators to teach outdoors and lead an on-line virtual community of Natural Teachers all over the world to create their own Outdoor Classroom story.

Previous post

How to Introduce Yourself as a Natural Teacher without holding back
August 2, 2016

Next post

Music Outdoors: Garden Songs & Signs
August 8, 2016

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    2 Comments

  1. anne
    August 6, 2016
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    I am a believer of boundaries. They help create intentional play. I think when the boundaries are from nature, they add a calming element. Kudos to the Real program for creating their outdoor space.

  2. ceciliapalazetti@gmail.com
    August 5, 2016
    Log in to Reply

    I absolutely love the idea of a Boat Garden!

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