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The Outdoor Classroom

The Outdoor Classroom. Dr. Kathleen G. Burriss, Ed.D. Department of Elementary and Special Education Middle Tennessee State University kburriss@mtsu.edu http://www.mtsu.edu/~kburriss. The Outdoor Classroom. What Is It? Who can use it? Where Is It? . The Outdoor Classroom.

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The Outdoor Classroom

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  1. The Outdoor Classroom • Dr. Kathleen G. Burriss, Ed.D. • Department of Elementary and Special Education • Middle Tennessee State University • kburriss@mtsu.edu • http://www.mtsu.edu/~kburriss

  2. The Outdoor Classroom • What Is It? • Who can use it? • Where Is It?

  3. The Outdoor Classroom • Using the outdoors as an integrating context for learning is not focusing the learning about the outdoor environment itself.

  4. The Outdoor Classroom • Environmental awareness is a specific goal, but is not necessarily the same as the outdoor classroom.

  5. The Outdoor Classroom • Allow students with different learning styles and from different backgrounds to experience success. • Fosters different skills and development. • Develops knowledge, understanding and appreciation for the entire community and the natural surroundings.

  6. The Outdoor Classroom • Where is the Out-Of-Doors?

  7. The Outdoor Classroom • Inexpensive • Thoughtful Planning

  8. The Outdoor Classroom • Observing a bird feeding station • Windowsill garden

  9. The Outdoor Classroom • Outside classroom activities require indoor classroom follow-up.

  10. Benefits of the Out-Of-Doors Classroom • Improved student performance including: • Standardized test scores • Grade point average • Willingness to stay on task • Adaptability to various learning styles • Problem solving.

  11. Benefits For Educators • Enhances environmental awareness, • Promotes sensitivity • Increases commitment • Promotes activism

  12. The Outdoor Classroom • Important: Allow children regular intimate engagement with their natural surroundings.

  13. Children With Special Needs • Not merely a logistic placement. •  Plan for students with disabilities to participate in outdoor activities at their highest level possible.

  14. Supporting children with special needs • Be as non stigmatizing and unobtrusive as possible. • Reflect student's right to exercise control over the environment and themselves. Support children's independence.

  15. What To Consider • Develop with input from family members • Monitor and evaluate consistently to insure effectiveness.

  16. What About Your Classroom? • Does the membership promote learning? • Are peers accepting?

  17. Ask Yourself • What are the specific strengths and needs of the child? • Are there aspects of the outdoors that are particularly pleasing? • What are the multi-sensory activities available?

  18. Resources • Project Wild • www.projectwild.org • North American Association for Environmental Education • www.naaee.org • National Wildlife Federation • www.nwf.org

  19. The Outdoor Classroom

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