Outdoor Classroom Ideas

 

It's no secret that I prefer to be outside.  So far, as a substitute teacher, the most challenging days have been ones that the children couldn't go outside.  Sometimes, this was due to scheduling of recess.  Sometimes, if the kids have P.E. class that day, they don't allow a break for recess.  Other times, if it was raining or too cold, the children couldn't go outside, and recess had to be indoors.  Sixth graders got no outdoor time at all. 

I think this is one of the main reasons that we should start outdoor projects like gardens and outdoor classrooms.  It is so important for children and adolescents to have time outdoors (when the weather isn't inclement).  Time for play and relaxation is essential for a child's social, emotional, and academic development and should be allowed.  But if it's not, an outdoor class can provide some of the same benefits as outdoor play, such as being in nature and having fresh air and sunshine.

Here are some of my favorite ideas for an outdoor classroom.  I just did a search on Bing and got these pictures:

 These are the outdoor options with roofs.  While I think that having a roof over the outdoor class sort of lessens the point of being outdoors, I think that if you really want one, these are some good examples.  Benefits of this would be the ability to hold class if it's drizzling outside or if sunburn is a major concern.

 And while this is obviously a residential garden and patio, I really like the clear roof in this picture.  It would still protect children while letting sunlight in:

 

 

 And one day, I really hope that indoor classrooms can look a bit more like these:

 

 Also, one thing that would be really amazing to do is to certify your outdoor classroom area as a wildlife habitat.  You can do this through the National Wildlife Foundation:

http://www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife/Schoolyard-Habitats.aspx

I hope that these give you some good ideas for starting an outdoor classroom project.  To raise money, you could do a class or school fundraiser or apply for a grant.  Get those kids outside!!