I have tried so many different writing methodologies and activities indoors. Everything from Writing Workshop to straight-up writing prompts. I would often find that I would get frustrated as there would be so many students who simply didn’t care. To them these writing activities were work and as a result, they had trouble getting themselves motivated to write. However, I found that once we started taking writing outside things changed. The kids started to find new ideas and enthusiasm for writing. I found that especially with fiction writing, the students were coming up with much more intere ..read more

When I was an indoor teacher, I always found that I struggled to come up with engaging writing activities. I tried all kinds of different tactics…writers workshop, prompts and activities from TPT, making up my own random activities. However, no matter what I tried, the results were always the same. The kids who enjoyed writing performed well. The kids who didn’t enjoy writing either didn’t try or did the bare minimum. Then there was always that kid who just sat there because they didn’t know what to write. It wasn’t until I tried outdoor writing that I started to notice a change in my student ..read more

April is Poetry Month! Until recently, I didn’t even know that there was such a thing as “Poetry Month.” However now that I know I am excited to celebrate. And what better way to celebrate Poetry Month as well as the arrival of spring, than to take poetry outdoors? In this post you will find 7 ways to celebrate Poetry Month outside with your students. Poetry is an amazing way for kids to have fun playing with language. Through poetry kids can be creative and use words in new and playful ways. Additionally, in writing a poem, students need to be precise and specific with their word choice. The ..read more

We all know that outdoor learning has amazing benefits for our students. However, we seldom talk about how it also benefits teachers. By getting outdoors, teachers can experience everything from health benefits to a chance to think outside the box and use their creativity. Outdoor learning can even help you to make a difference in the future and revitalize your career. Check out some of these benefits of outdoor learning for teachers and start getting outside today. Ready to get started with outdoor learning, check out our “Get Outside Tool Kit.” In this tool kit you will find tons of helpful ..read more

The benefits of outdoor learning are amazing for both our students and ourselves as teachers. However, taking your students outside isn’t always easy. There is a reason why so many teachers stay inside, it is simply easier for them. However, in this post I will outline some of the challenges that teachers face in taking learning outside. We will also discuss some suggestions for overcoming challenges facing outdoor educators. My goal is to help make outdoor learning easy and accessible for all teachers so that they too can get outside and thrive with their students. Challenges Facing Outdoor ..read more

Congratulations on taking some of the first steps towards taking learning outside. You have ensured that your site is safe and you have blessings from your administration. Everything is ready to go until you hit a roadblock…you have a parent or guardian who doesn’t think their kid should be learning outside. It is so frustrating when a parent doesn’t support something you have worked so hard on, especially when you know how much outdoor learning will benefit their student. In this post, we will discuss some tips for working with hesitant parents who are unsure about outdoor education. I’ve ou ..read more

Nothing represents the beauty and magic of winter more than a snowflake. Snowflakes can capture the imagination and intrigue of students while also helping them to learn about different scientific principles. Through studying snowflakes, our students can learn about the states of matter and crystallization, concepts such as symmetry, and even practice sketching. However, the only way you can really study snowflakes is by getting outside. Why not take advantage of your next snowy day, get outside with your students, and immerse your class in some snowflake science? Before You Start- Winter Out ..read more

Outdoor learning has so many amazing benefits for both you as a teacher and your students. Not only can you cover parts of your curriculum while outside, but you can also experience the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor learning. However, not everyone, including those in the education setting, knows or understands all of the benefits to outdoor learning. This may even include your administration. Before you get started with outdoor learning, you may need to spend some time convincing your administration that outdoor education is awesome and a good fit for their school. In this po ..read more

Nothing says winter like an afternoon of sledding. As a kid I would spend hours tobogganing at the hill in our local park. Not only did tobogganing allow me to get outside and move my body, but it also added a bit of thrill and adventure to my day. On a warm(ish) afternoon you can often find most hills packed with kids on all kinds of sleds. Why not harness the fun of tobogganing to cover parts of your curriculum? Sledding is a great way for students to explore topics such as motion, gravity, and friction. It is also a “risky play” activity that can allow students to understand their own pers ..read more

Snowshoeing is a fun and often underrated winter activity. However, snowshoeing is a great way to get outside with your students and enjoy the fresh winter snowfall. Snowshoes are a traditional Indigenous technology that was originally designed to help people walk more easily on top of the snow. Now snowshoes are used by everyone from recreational hikers to serious backcountry skiers to help them travel more safely in snowy terrain. However, you don’t need to be a hiker or an adventurer to enjoy using snowshoes. Snowshoeing is an accessible activity that you can do with your students. Why Cho ..read more