Today’s P.E. class was conducted outdoors, which was an interesting change. I have always wondered what a lecture out in nature would be like and today was the closest to the real deal. I have done many summer camps outdoors but to see a group use nature as a possible cross curriculum activity was something special. It really aligns with my beliefs that learning and school isn’t just about books and listening to lecture all the time but it is also an active process between the students and the teacher. The great thing about outdoors learning is that it takes the class out of familiar territory (classroom) to a new environment that allow for hands on learning and connection with the world. Out in nature, the student can begin to see the real world and see relevance and relationships from what they have learned in class and experience it for themselves.
Another thing that struck out to me was the “trust” game we played today. It is hard to believe how it hasn’t been two full months since we started the program but everyone in the cohort seemed to have faith that everyone in their group was going to catch them before they would fall to the ground. It just amazes me how trust can go a long way.
I agree with you Eric. It is obvious that kids don’t spend enough time outside as it is assumed that most academic work require focus and concentration which can’t be attained outside. However, I think that an alternative environment that allows for land-placed learning has a powerful impact on the child’s physical, intellectual, and affective development. For example, through our group teach, social development was promoted such that the game required cooperation and teamwork in order to get the food over to the shelter. Moreover, cognitive development was nurtured as there were decision making processes involved to not get caught. The outdoors also introduces learners to develop an appreciation and respect for the environment. It helps students to see themselves in a global context with an awareness of the need for sustainability of our land. Even the most academic demanding subjects such as math, can take place outside. For example, in our education 440 class, we came across a lesson plan that took place at the beach. This lesson plan used tides and waves to learn math, in particular angles. Incorporating the outdoors in the school curriculum is important as we have learned that many students are kinesthetic learners and can learn more effectively using their bodies. For example, some of the activities that we were engaging in at the end of Tuesday’s class are great examples to demonstrate concepts such as trust to students through the use of their bodies, which is all possible in an outdoor environment. I am lucky because my school placement has a big outdoor green area as part of the school grounds that allows me to conduct activities outside the classroom!