by Mr. Jay
Outdoor education is organized learning in an outdoor setting. Growing in popularity, forest schools, or waldkindergartens, as they are called in Europe, are early childhood preschool/kindergartens, where a majority of the activities take place in an outdoor setting, preferably, in the woods. Of course, each outdoor education program is different, and there are many factors to take into account. An accessible woodland suitable for exploring and playing, along with a suitable shelter for extreme weather, is important. The children should become comfortable with an outdoor approach to education by introducing them to the woods gradually. Children play and become familiar with a wooded location. This area becomes a base.
Outdoor educators build trust and relationships as the children develop self confidence in outdoor settings. When the children are ready, the teacher(s) can lead a group to familiarize themselves with a trail into the woods. These initial outings allow the children to explore the woodlands while establishing physical and behavioral boundaries. Child-led projects can take place once the safety procedures, hygiene, and routines are in place, a
Supporting Basic Needs First
In outdoor education, as well as all education, the basic needs of the children should be met (Maslow’s Pyramid of Hierarchical Needs). The children should be dressed properly in order to keep warm and dry in all types of weather. Healthy snacks and/or meals should be available, as well as plenty of water or warm drinks. Of course, the safety of the children, both physically and emotionally, is of utmost importance. Once these are taken care of, the learning and fun can begin!
Circle Time!
Hand and finger gestures accompany simple songs and become the highlight of the circle time. In outdoor education, circles are held outside in most kinds of weather. Snacks and meals are a pleasure when eaten outdoors with friends. Children learn about plants, trees, birds, and animals which is so much fun! Children learn to recognize evidence of animals: tracks, scat, or food remains. They learn to identify fossils. Social skills are strengthened, physical skills are honed, and mental skills are built up. The foundations of outdoor education are learner-led, play-based, and nature-immersed learning.
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