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And LIVE to tell about it! And actually WANT
to go outside again!
The most important thing to remember about taking a class outdoors is to have a clearly defined outcome in your mind. Usually that means only one thing is going to happen. Your students need to know what they will do the instant they are outside and how to do it, and then what they need to do when they are done.
(1) BEFORE: Many school districts want to know where you and your class have disappeared to, so have a sign read to post on your door. And let the Office know you will be outside every period today. This way message deliverers can find you outside with important notes for you and/or your students.
I recommend going over the rules and the assignment the day before. You won't get your students to listen right before you go outside! They just want OUT!
TYPICAL RULES: (1) Listen to the teacher. (2) Stay on task. (3) Talk only with your small group. (4) Stay with your group. (5) Line up at the designated spot when you are done. (6) Be QUIET in the hallways going in and out of the building! (7) Misbehaving students will NOT go outside the next time! (Work out an arrangement with a nearby teacher to "babysit" them!)
(2) DURING: There are two types of outdoor assignments, a walk to observe something related to the current lesson led by teacher or a small group assignment achieved with minimal teacher input.
TEACHER-LED TIPS: This really worked for me: Tell your students you will be walking around the schoolyard, making stops along the way to record observations. They must keep up with you! You will start talking five seconds after you reach each point. Start talking immediately after that. Expect them to keep up with the group, listen, respond and record quickly. Then move to the next point, reminding them to keep up.
SMALL-GROUP TIPS: This usually involves stations in a certain area or the same assignment that can be achieved by each group in the same area. They must know there is a time-limit of some sort. They should know exactly what to do the second they get outside. Walk between groups to help and advise. Have misbehaving students line up at the designated "done" spot. Remind groups to line up when they are done. When all but one group are lined up and if there is time left, hurry the last group along.
AFTER: I recommend the students know what they must do when they reenter the classroom. As I was always the last one in, I wanted them to know they had something that should be started BEFORE I got in the classroom! They knew there were consequences if they were not on task when I arrived. This might be filling out a class-chart on the board, answering the lab questions, or starting on the next assignment. I also recommend a certain Noise-Level requirement--and no lookouts or "shhh" warnings! Click here for a Noise-Level Idea.
Click here for a typical Teacher-Led Assignment.
Click here for a typical Small-Group Assignment.
Happy Outdoor Teaching!
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