Outdoor Classroom Activities

Posted by Susan Hyde Mar 13, 2007

Here in Maine it appears that, barring a late spring snow storm, we are entering the muddy season – spring. As harsh as our Maine winters can sometimes be, there is something special about the expectation of summer when our beautiful scenery along with hiking, boating, camping, and kayaking bring hundreds of thousands of vacationers “from away” to our beautiful state.

For homeschool and classroom educators alike, spring brings the opportunity for outdoor exploration. The physics of kite flying, the science and art of a beautiful garden, and even multi-cultural holiday celebrations are more exciting when brought outdoors.

This is a great opportunity for younger children to build calendar skills and learn more about the weather and changing seasons. For instance, a class weather chart can help younger children to determine whether March really is coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb. Don't pass up the practical opportunity to teach your students how to use a weather thermometer! The rapidly changing weather makes this important math skill a lot more fun, and learning is always more permanent when linked to real-life situations.

Older students may enjoy journaling outdoors, and nearly any student would enjoy learning in the sunshine on a nice warm day. If you make reader's theater a regular part of your language arts curriculum, why not bring it outdoors?

As educators, we cannot forget the connection between mind and body. A breath of fresh air, the healing powers of sunshine, and the opportunity for kinesthetic activity all help our students to integrate their thoughts. They really aren’t so different than the adults who guide their education, are they?