Think Outside the Classroom: How Outdoor Learning Enhances Education

Shannon McLeodBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Reflect Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Outdoor learning can positively impact physical, mental, and social-emotional health, while offering real-world connections to curriculum. Starting small with structured routines can help students transition from “play” time to “learning” time outdoors. Even simple activities, like reading or math practice, can benefit from the outdoors, encouraging curiosity, resilience, and community connection. Each day in teaching brings new opportunities, fresh … Read More

Integrating Earth Day in Your Learning Space

Becky SchnekserBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Reflect Better, Teach Further

 TL;DR: For learners to connect with their environment, create time to be outdoors to develop care and concern for our Earth. Integrate Earth Day with nature journaling, diagramming and modeling with nature materials, engineering, design thinking, STEM or STEAM challenges, scavenger hunts, and nature walks. These ideas can be integrated anytime, not just for Earth Day! Earth Day is the … Read More

Earth Day Every Day with Outdoor Education

Becky SchnekserBlog, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd. When considering outdoor education, it is important to think about safety, seating, and work surfaces. Earth Day happens every year on April 22 to commemorate the modern environmental movement that began in 1970. Until then there was no EPA, no Clean Air or Water Act. The first Earth Day was actually … Read More

Outdoor Learning Opportunities

Teach Better TeamBlog, Engage Better

TL;DR: Not all classrooms have to be inside a traditional building. Connect outdoor learning to the curriculum by using natural elements to teach, documenting the learning, and collaborating and co-creating with your students. I love teaching outdoors here in Canada! Escape from the busy life of a classroom and school climate to create mindful learning moments. Embrace the weather changes … Read More