Wild Learning

Wild Learning answers a call in the educational community for practical, easy-to-implement activities that bring core curriculum out of the classroom and into the outdoors. Outdoor learning has risen in popularity in recent years, and it has tremendous benefits. Being outside is healthier, helps children form a strong connection to the natural world, supports a variety of learning styles, increases engagement and motivation, and improves mental health. This book gives teachers practical activities that they can immediately implement, and helps educators overcome common barriers to outdoor instruction. These activities can be done in common outdoor spaces that are accessible to teachers in all school settings, and they are adaptable to their current curriculum—not an extra thing to try to fit into their day. Get ideas for fun outdoor activities that cover core subject matter already being taught Take learning outside, taking advantage of commonly accessible areas, no matter the educational setting Help students develop a healthy appreciation of the outdoors and support hands-on learning styles Support students' physical and mental health without sacrificing learning time This book is a much-needed resource for elementary and special education teachers, as well as those in alternative schools, forest schools, and homeschooling parents.

Introduction 1 Benefits of teaching outdoors 1 Zones of accessibility 4 01 Planning and preparation 13 A place to gather 13 Safety considerations 17 Getting parents on board with outdoor learning 19 Planning classroom outdoor time and classroom management 19 Dressing for the weather: Gear for kids and adults 21 Creating a positive outdoor experience for students and teachers 29 Materials for outdoor learning 30 Final thoughts 33 02 Lessons in the schoolyard 34 The wonders of chalk 34 Learning games for the schoolyard 51 Using natural materials 68 Utilizing the schoolyard 93 Final thoughts 104 03 Visiting the neighborhood 105 Walking adventures 106 Final thoughts 149 04 Exploring farther afield 150 The plants and animals around us 150 Developing a sit spot practice 189 Final thoughts 196 05 Inviting nature indoors 197 A nature- inspired class meeting 197 Cultivating nature appreciation and curiosity throughout the year 204 Final thoughts 217 Acknowledgments 219 About the Website 220 Index 221