Outdoor classrooms are becoming popular within school settings to promote authentic learning experiences. These spaces can be created in many types of locations (urban, suburban, and rural areas) and are applicable in all subject areas including art, science, global languages, and keyboarding, as some examples. We encourage article submissions to encourage outdoor classroom practices in a variety of ways, such as methods for designing spaces, instructional activities, and ways to support students’ overall well-being. Submissions can be sent to submissions@blueswallowfarmfoundation.org.
Connecting Students to Nature in the Winter
Winter Wonderland Nature Activities Calendar: Download Activity Calendar
Connecting Students to Nature in the Winter
Kelsey Chandler Bird – Frederick County Public Schools
Photos courtesy of Kelsey Chandler Bird
As parents and educators, we are up against screentime and busy schedules. Encouraging […]
Connecting Students with Nature through a Monthly Outdoor Experience and Self-Regulatory Processes
For the Record-Monthly Outdoor Experience Activity:
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Connecting Students with Nature through a Monthly Outdoor Experience and Self-Regulatory Processes
Suzanne E. Hiller
Beth McCook – Frederick County Public Schools
(Photos courtesy of Donn Dobkin, Donn Dobkin Photography; Deeper Storytelling)
Worm Workers
Worm Workers
Rebecca Bland
Washington County Public Schools, Maryland
The hum of busy fifth graders at work is obvious to any visitor that stops by their classroom at Salem Avenue Elementary School in Hagerstown, Maryland. What is not so obvious is the silent work of thousands of red wigglers – a […]
Building an Outdoor Classroom Amphitheater
Building an Outdoor Classroom Amphitheater
Dan Balkan
James Madison University
A team of James Madison University (JMU) Industrial Design students helped bring to life the Keister Enchanted Forest. This was a 13-week project with Keister Elementary to help rebuild their nature trails […]
Designing Outdoor Classrooms: Transforming Learning Spaces for Nature Connection
Designing Outdoor Classrooms: Transforming Learning Spaces for Nature Connection
Lily Claire Taylor
James Madison University
Creating an outdoor space can be a lot of work, but the benefits exceed that work! By providing that outdoor space, students have the opportunity to […]
Keister Elementary’s Enchanted Forest
Keister Elementary’s Enchanted Forest
Brooke Imber
Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Virginia
One of the best things about being an elementary school art teacher is getting to dream big about all sorts of ideas with our littlest learners. As Keister Elementary School’s Art […]
