Before you begin – Set up for Success
There are a few things that can be done to make life that bit easier when teaching outdoors.
1 Establish expectations and routines, just as you do with indoor learning
2 Have resources on hand to support a range of experiences
ROUTINES AND EXPECTATIONS
A great resource to get started has been provided by Outdoor Classroom Day, with a comprehensive step-by-step guide to establishing routines and more from Juliet Robertson. This resource provides a one-stop shop for taking the first steps. Click on the thumbnail to download.
RESOURCES
We have developed our own ‘Outdoor Learning Kit‘ inventory to download. Use this as a springboard to develop your own kit.
CURRICULUM
It is important to have an understanding of how nature play and nature pedagogy links to the curriculum and where these natural links might be. There are many online resources to support. Here are a few to get you started.
Early Years Learning Framework
The Association of Independent Schools of WA have provided a selection of Nature Play and Nature Pedagogy links to The Early Years Learning Framework. Available here *
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
A practical and powerful way to begin learning about the Aboriginal culture of your land’s Traditional Owners is to learn some of their ancient languages.
One of the best resources around for early learning and primary students – https://50words.online
ABC Education has introduced a new character to Play School – Kiya.
“Kiya is from Noongar country, in the southern corner of Western Australia.
Kiya’s first Play School appearance is in the Acknowledgement of Country Special and she will be included in upcoming episodes along with the rest of our Play School favourites.”
Download the ABC Education Acknowledgement of Country educator notes here