Get Outdoors: Curriculum Tie in

Outdoor Lessons related to curriculum:

Outdoor Classroom has tons of resources: https://outdoorclassroomday.com/resources/ 

Make a landscape, biome or planet: https://outdoorclassroomday.com/resource/craft-a-landscape/

Use your body or things in nature to recognize angles: https://outdoorclassroomday.com/resource/play-all-the-angles/

Speaking of math, there are tons of other ideas too:

More outdoor math:
https://creativefamilyfun.net/outdoor-shape-activities-for-kids/

Animal Perspectives - Mapping the School Activity: https://outdoorclassroomday.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Animal-Perspectives.pdf

This is a cool resource as well for the younger kids:

CBC Gum Boot Kids Curriculum: 

https://curio.ca/en/collection/gumboot-kids-curriculum-2690/?order=date

Find other episodes here for creating your own lessons:https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/watch/scout-the-gumboot-kids

Daisy and the Gum Boot Kids playlist on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPZ40gM7aDFBnmHlSYtBtoscvxyj64os-

Get Outdoors: Art Ideas

Outdoor Art Ideas:

Nature faces: https://happyhooligans.ca/nature-faces/ 

Nature Name activity: https://www.mrsjonescreationstation.com/nature-name-activity/

Nature’s Orchestra (activity): https://outdoorclassroomday.com/resource/natures-orchestra/

Sustainable Learning Website - great resources, lessons and more: https://www.sustainablelearning.com

I love outdoor activities that all ages and abilities can enjoy. Great Fall activity to bookmark:

https://themindcircle.com/fallen-leaf-art/?fbclid=IwAR3TAMBvuR8eQmB5S4KPZz9su5PYGHW_zLfV-vyiX8iXUyGoDwkA26Uoii0

Leaf confetti:

https://www.facebook.com/backtnature/posts/3272854896076710

Reggio - https://theartofeducation.edu/2015/11/24/a-surprising-in-depth-look-at-the-reggio-approach/

Get Outdoors: Scavenger Hunts and more

I love the idea of kids creating scavenger hunts for each other. But there are also a lot of pre-made ones online (see below). Nature walks, scavenger hunts, collections, exploration are all great ways to embrace the outdoors.

Nature Scavenger Hunts 

(some for a fee - but good for ideas to create your own):

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:nature%20scavenger%20hunt

https://www.thermoutdoor.co.nz/blogs/news/nature-scavenger-hunt-printable 

https://www.amazon.ca/Cheatwell-Games-Kids-Scavenger-Hunt/dp/B00OOSKJD2/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=indoor+and+outdoor+scavenger+hunt+game&qid=1573430867&sr=8-12

Nature Walks and Activities: https://www.plt.org/educator-tips/nature-walk-activities 

Awesome outdoor activities: https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/nature-activities/10-hands-nature-activities-kids?slide=1#fen-gallery 

More outdoor activities: https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/engaging-outdoor-learning-activities-for-kids/ 

Get Outdoors: Resource List

We see a lot of outdoor play in K, but exploring and embracing nature is valuable at all levels. Here are some resources and ideas for integrating outdoor play and experiential learning in your class… it is also good information for home time and the importance to get outside.

In our current state of self isolation and quarantine, unless you are symptomatic (in which case stay safely inside as to not infect others) you can and should still get outside, while maintaining the 2 meter social distancing. Fresh air and outdoors is good for mental health.

Great infographic describing the benefits of spending time in nature: https://hopefamilyresources.wordpress.com/2015/06/01/infographic-of-the-day-benefits-of-nature/

10 ways outdoor education benefits kids: https://www.independentschoolparent.com/school/outdoor-learning-benefits/

Surprising benefits of outdoor education: https://www.learningliftoff.com/the-surprising-benefits-of-outdoor-learning/ 

The Institute for Outdoor Learning has a number of resources:
https://www.outdoor-learning.org/

More on outdoor learning:
https://www.parentingscience.com/outdoor-learning.html

Here's a quick read on the benefits of Place-Based learning: https://sierraclub.bc.ca/the-value-of-place-based-education/

Teaching outside the classroom:
https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/nature-activities/10-hands-nature-activities-kids?slide=1#fen-gallery

And, when you can't get outside.... bring some of the benefits of outside - inside....

https://hside.org/plants-improve-mental-physical-health/

Some research around the benefits of plants in schools:
https://www.phsgreenleaf.co.uk/the-benefits-of-plants-in-schools-and-educational-facilities/

Love this idea to bring an “outdoorsy” feel inside the classroom.

https://crafty.diply.com/108504/people-are-turning-glass-tables-into-giant-succulent-gardens?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=mnv&utm_content=mnv002466&fbclid=IwAR1YZQ2uic2tZ-uAWzyfluqY4kBuS4r6KFqtxISB6u2Rx6tehpnCIhV5_9I

Now don't forget cool out door games too:

Outdoor games - https://www.games4youthgroups.com/outdoor-games.html

https://www.instructables.com/id/Manhunt/

https://www.headspace.com/covid-19  - has some free and extra offers right now during the COVID-19 situation

Outdoor Bounce - Parts of Story

As weather improves, this may be a fun way to get fresh air (or escape an over heated classroom?) and do something different....




[Source]

50 Earth Day Activities

Next week is Earth Day... Here are 50 Earth Day Activities that work with natural materials, recycled materials, indoor crafts, outdoor activities and more....

Outside Literacy Centre

As weather gets nicer (hopefully) here is a neat idea to try.....


Outside literacy center: Play twister, or jump from word to word: http://ow.ly/ppOPL

Awesome Idea for mini planters