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Outdoors curriculum

  • 1.  Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 01-30-2021 03:36 AM
    Hi,
    I am looking a curriculum that I can use for outdoor early childhood program. Any suggestions for a name of such a curriculum or how I can attend a training program for outdoors, or forest, or green early childhood programs.
    Amy


  • 2.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 01-31-2021 09:27 AM
    Hi! I would love some suggestions on this topic as well! 
    Kim

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    Kimberly Martin
    Trinity School
    Decatur GA
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-01-2021 02:35 PM
    Two resources that could be helpful in developing curriculum:
    Outdoor Classrooms - Victoria Hackett offers trainings for teachers and has a blog with lots of outdoor activities www.outdoor-classrooms.org 
    Tinkergarten - which offers outdoor classes for families and has lots of online resources for families which I think teachers would also find helpful. https://tinkergarten.com

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    Margery Heyl
    Chicago IL
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 01-31-2021 11:25 AM
    There are so many great resources out there.  The Natural Start Alliance is a great place to being- naturalstart.org.
    Redleaf Press also has wonderful books on outdoor curriculum.

    ------------------------------
    Sheila Williams Ridge
    Director
    U of MN Lab School
    Minneapolis MN
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 01-31-2021 11:36 AM
    Hello. I am currently enrolled in a nature-based certificate program through Antioch University. I am in New England so mine is through Antioch NE. They have other schools, though, and as a result of Covid - the majority of the work is online. I think it has been fantastic so far and I have gotten so many ideas for our new outdoor classroom space. Natural Start Alliance also is doing a virtual conference this summer. I attended their conference last year and came out inspired and full of wonderful outdoor exploratory themes. Best of luck!

    Gay O'Hanlon
    Lead teacher
    The Village School, Milton, MA

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    Gay O'Hanlon
    Lead Teacher
    The Village School
    Milton MA
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-02-2021 04:42 PM
    Hey Gay, how do you feel about the balance between theory and application in your program? Is it even--50% Theory and 50% Application?

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    Monica
    Pre-K Teacher
    SF Bay Area
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-02-2021 04:54 PM
    Gay, 
    That's sounds so interesting. Would love to hear more.
    Lynne

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    Dr. Lynne M. Lawson, NBCT
    Master Teacher
    Literacy Coach
    Strongsville City School District
    Strongsville, OH
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 01-31-2021 11:37 AM
    Hello,
    I just read about a "Nature-Based Teacher Certification" workshop offered through the North American Association for Environmental Education or NAAEE.  It sounds interesting and there is some scholarships offered.  I do not know much about it as far as standards and best practice, but I would love to attend myself.
    Good luck.

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    Joann Gansen
    Dubuque IA
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 01-31-2021 11:48 AM
    Hello Amy,
    I just attended an online talk on Outdoor Curriculum with the author of Sky Above, Mud Below a new book coming out from Redleaf. It was excellent.
    Susan

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    Susan Smith
    Director
    Heart and Hands Montessori
    Lafayette CO
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    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 01-31-2021 12:41 PM

    Hi Iman,
    You are welcome to take a look at free training resources with the nonprofit Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (erafans.org/free-online-learning). We are dedicated to nature-based education and outdoor learning! We offer several free recorded webinars along with resources and links to loads of great (free) content.

    Other nonprofits like Green Schoolyards America and the Natural Start Alliance have some wonderful resources, too. You may also look into 'Growing Up Wild', which is frequently offered at no charge through your state department of natural resources.

    Admin, if this post is not acceptable, please feel free to delete! I hope this information is helpful to those seeking out high quality nature-based professional development opportunities.

    Sincerely,



    ------------------------------
    Monica Wiedel-Lubinski
    Executive Director
    Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools | ERAFANS.org
    Notchcliff Nature Programs | naturalcommunity.org
    Glen Arm MD
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 01-31-2021 10:04 PM
    How about we design one?

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    Joshua Salinas
    Gatesville TX
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    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-01-2021 08:52 AM
    The best curriculum, inside and especially outdoors will be very specific to your local environment, community, values, and resources, so I don't think there will/should be one overall curriculum that will transfer well to other spaces.  However, there is curriculum that specific schools use- Dodge Nature Preschool has one you can purchase for ideas entitled "Four Seasons at a Nature-Based Preschool" it is pretty focused on east-central Minnesota in a location in a suburban nature center.  There are some wonderful guidelines for building your own at naturalstart.org.

    ------------------------------
    Sheila Williams Ridge
    Director
    U of MN Lab School
    Minneapolis MN
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    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-01-2021 09:36 AM
    Shelia,
    I'd love to be a part of designing a curriculum for outdoor learning.  My doctoral dissertation focused on literacy and outdoor learning was an important part of it.
    Lynne

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    Lynne Lawson
    Literacy Coach
    N Royalton OH
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    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-01-2021 01:22 PM

    Dr. Lawson - I saw your reply but not sure if you intended to reply to me. Anyway, I suggested that Amy, myself and whoever else design an outdoor curriculum. What do you think? 


    josh



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    Joshua Salinas
    Gatesville TX
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    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-01-2021 01:30 PM
    Hi Josh,
    Yes, I did direct it to you as the person who mentioned developing a curriculum. 
    I believe that most anything that can be done indoors can be taken outdoors.  Before Covid, I presented an all-day workshop for 300 staff members that included preschool teachers, infant caregivers, psychologists, speech therapist, etc.  The topic was outdoor learning.
    Thanks for writing,
    Lynne Lawson

    ------------------------------

    Dr. Lynne Lawson, NBCT
    Master Teacher
    Literacy Coach
    Strongsville City Schools
    Strongsville, OH

    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-01-2021 03:50 PM

    Dr Lawson - well I am in for doing a curriculum. Would you be interested? I think it would be fun, interesting and worthwhile. If others would like to join that is perfect. I like the idea because my passion, education and experiences are based on outdoors. Can we get a working group or collaboration going soon? 



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    Joshua Salinas

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    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-02-2021 04:25 AM
    Hi everyone,

    Thank you all for your suggestions, the resources you shared it is helpful I really appreciated it. 
    Thank you, Joshua, for your suggestion of creating a curriculum for the outdoors. Thank you, Lynne, for your enthusiasm about the idea.
     A quick brief about myself before I say ok to join in.
     I am an associate professor currently located in Amman, Jordan, teaching early childhood education at the University of Jordan. My expertise is in social-emotional development, and recently interested in writing about children's integrity. The outdoor preschool is my dream project that I intended to open in the coming years. I started researching three years ago and put the project on hold for family matters. But starting this summer, the project should be born. That is why I reach out to you to prepare myself not pedologically but practically by enrolling in webinars and training programs for teachers, directors, and so on. 
    Therefore, the idea of creating an outdoor program is an excellent idea. I like to join if you think I could assist in this endeavor.

    Amy



    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-02-2021 01:33 PM
    Amy - you are more than welcome. I will be put together planning web on a power point slide. It is basically a brain storm. I have some networking points of contact that can help. One of them is a marine biologist and the other works in the education department of the State Parks here. Once put this together I will send off to you and Dr Lawson. Once done we can do a division of labor, set review meetings etc. let me know what ya think.

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    Joshua Salinas
    TX
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    Original Message


  • 19.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-02-2021 06:20 PM
    Hi you are more than welcome to join us on MS Teams. We are collaborating on designing a outdoor curriculum. It is myself and Dr Lawson.

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    Joshua Salinas
    Gatesville TX
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    Original Message


  • 20.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-06-2021 10:24 AM
    Please call me Lyn.  Would you send the TEAMS invite to my school email?

    lscha273@uwsp.edu

    I look forward to collaborating.

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    Lyn Schaefer
    Gaithersburg MD
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    Original Message


  • 21.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-06-2021 11:14 AM
    Okay will do

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    Joshua Salinas
    Gatesville TX
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    Original Message


  • 22.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-06-2021 08:26 AM
    I would be interested and hope I'm not too late.  My interest is in educational sustainability.

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    Lyn Schaefer
    Gaithersburg MD
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    Original Message


  • 23.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-06-2021 09:28 AM
    Hi Lyn,
    We are working through TEAMS.  Right now I am teleworking as I continue to improve from Covid, but it's a slow process.  I haven't been able to add much yet, but am excited about the prospect.  
    Have a great weekend,
    Lynne

    ------------------------------
    Dr. Lynne M. Lawson, NBCT
    Master Teacher
    Literacy Coach
    Strongsville City School District
    Strongsville, OH
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 24.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-06-2021 09:42 AM
    Hi Lynne Thanks for responding. Hope all is well. Are you feeling any better? I just got the second dose of the vaccination and it hammered me pretty good. Aches pains fever. Ugh! Have a great weekend.

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    Joshua Salinas
    Gatesville TX
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    Original Message


  • 25.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 03-15-2021 10:18 AM
    Hey Josh,
    Thanks for asking. I did receive my second vaccination and had some minor side effects. Thursday is two weeks from the second vaccine so I'm really excited about it!
    How are you feeling now and are we moving forward at this time?
    Thanks,
    Lynne

    ------------------------------
    Dr. Lynne M. Lawson, NBCT
    Master Teacher
    Literacy Coach
    Strongsville City School District
    Strongsville, OH
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 26.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 03-15-2021 04:42 PM
    Hi Lynne,
    Hi Josh, 
    Hope guys you will feel better soon. I am still waiting on your email. If it's easier to communicate through Microsoft Teams, please add me i am interested to be part of this team. if their is any problems please email me.
    Thanks,
    Amy 



    Original Message


  • 27.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 03-15-2021 04:46 PM
    I'm so sorry Amy! I thought you'd been invited.  I'll get on that asap.
    Lynne

    ------------------------------
    Dr. Lynne M. Lawson, NBCT
    Master Teacher
    Literacy Coach
    Strongsville City School District
    Strongsville, OH
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 28.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 03-15-2021 05:11 PM
    Hi Lynn yes we can continue. I have so
    stuff to load on to teams 

    Sent from my iPhone



    Original Message


  • 29.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-06-2021 09:39 AM

    Ms Schaefer - if you can get on MS Teams we have group going you would be number 4. If you can let me know when you do we send an invite to you. 


    Josh S



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    Joshua Salinas
    Gatesville TX
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    Original Message


  • 30.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-01-2021 05:49 PM
    Hi Josh, (Do you use Josh or Joshua?) 
    My apologies if I've been wrong.  Please call me Lynne.  I am excited to start working with you and anyone else who might be interested.  Currently, I am in the second week of COVID 19, and am doing much better.  I have to recover before beginning anything.  In the meantime, I thought we could take a look at the recommended programs/sites.  What do you think?  Lynne

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    Lynne Lawson
    Literacy Coach
    N Royalton OH
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    Original Message


  • 31.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-01-2021 06:40 PM

    We can start looking some ideas and gather information. Do you have an email? I will jot down some ideas in the form of learning trajectories, domains etc. Developmentally appropriate of course. Hope you get better. 

    Kind regards,


    Josh 



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    Joshua Salinas

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    Original Message


  • 32.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-02-2021 04:38 AM
    Hi Lynn,
    Hi Joshua,
    Sorry guys I sent an email introducing my self to the open discussion I did not see your directed emails for the interested individuals in the curriculum. pleaser working with you. Lynn H hope you will feel better soon.

    Dr. Amy Betawi
    Assistant Dean for Quality Assurance at the Deanship of Graduate studies
    Early Childhood Consultant
    The University of Jordan,
    Tel: 962-6-5855000 Ext: 24402





    Original Message


  • 33.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-02-2021 01:03 PM




    Original Message


  • 34.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-01-2021 01:25 AM
    The North American Association for environmental education is an organization dedicated to teaching outdoors.  They have a great course to get certified as an environmental educator.   I took it last summer.  I learned a lot.  The Children and Nature Network is another organization dedicated to young children and outdoor education.   They just rolled out some new curriculum that looks great.  I highly recommend both organizations.

    ------------------------------
    Sarah Osborne
    Assistant Director & Teacher
    Apple Tree Christian Preschool & Kindergarten
    Broomfield CO
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    Original Message


  • 35.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-02-2021 04:58 PM
    Hi Sarah, I hope you don't mind me asking you a few questions about the training you took.
    1. Could people without any experience in outdoor education take the training?
    2. Was the program for environmental education in k-12 or for ECE? Or neither?
    3. Did they teach more about theory than practical application? What was the balance between the two?


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    Monica
    Pre-K Teacher
    SF Bay Area
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    Original Message


  • 36.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-02-2021 07:01 PM
    Hi Monica!

    I had no environmental education experience and I took the class.  It was very interesting and I learned about the different pillars of environmental education.  It was not specific to ECE or elementary but it taught you how to be an environmental educator.  When I did the assignments, I used ECE lesson plans and was very successful.  You had to break down the lesson plans or create lessons that would incorporate the standard of environmental education that you were studying at the time.  You had to develop a body of evidence that showed that you understood that modality of environmental education, no matter what age group you were teaching it to.  It was an excellent course.  



    Original Message


  • 37.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-01-2021 09:59 AM
    Amy,  I am so glad you asked this question.  As a Quality Coach in Tennessee, I have spent much of my time during COVID working from home and have done lots of reading and watching of webinars around loose parts play and nature.  There are some great videos on You Tube that offer some great suggestions.  Simply search loose parts outside and they should come up.  I appreciate all the suggestions others made and have written them all down to now go back and do some more reading and watching.  Rusty Keeler also has some wonderful books revolving around nature play that I think would be of interest to you in planning outdoor play space.

    Dee​

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    Deandra Wimberley
    Le Bonheur Comm Health & Well-Being
    Memphis TN
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    Original Message


  • 38.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-01-2021 11:28 AM
    Hi, M. Betawi,
    There are so many resources for this, but I suggest you start with a look at your most local parks programs. They can share with you the resources that are most pertinent to the exact area where your program is. The environment has so many micro-climates and terrains, flora and fauna. If you start with the most local programs and resources, the children will be able to relate so much better to learning about it.
    Best of luck - this is a wonderful priority!

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    Hazel Osborn
    Consultant
    Loveland CO
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    Original Message


  • 39.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-02-2021 12:56 PM
    Hi Ms. Betawi,
    Have you looked at Project Learning Tree? PLT has been around for over 30 years and have also expanded to offer resources and workshops focused on Early Childhood Education. They offer stellar award-winning resources for outdoor learning by using the five senses, nature, the seasons, and of course anything to do with trees. The also have free (online) professional development workshops too! I have used used their resources over the years and have attended several of their workshops. Enjoy!

    Project Learning Tree Early Childhood Resources Available:  https://www.plt.org/curriculum-offerings/early-childhood/

    Early Childhood Educator Workshops Info: https://www.plt.org/blog/2016/03/01/early-childhood-online-training/ 

    PS. Also check out Project Wild resources and workshops. Several resources and activities are catered to Early Childhood, https://www.fishwildlife.org/projectwild

    Hope this helps a little,
    Carmelina

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    Carmelina Livingston
    STEM Education Specialist
    S2TEM Centers SC
    Charleston SC
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    Original Message


  • 40.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-02-2021 06:33 PM
    It is necessary to implement outdoor curriculum for toddlers. Have them explore different seasons. Pick out defining characteristics about each season.

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    Aisha Arif
    Columbia MD
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    Original Message


  • 41.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-03-2021 01:56 PM
    To add to the list of resources that can support early childhood learning in the wonderful outdoors:

    Green Schoolyards America's National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative

    https://bit.ly/COVID-OutdoorLearning 

    Outdoor Learning in Arlington ,Virginia (during COVID-19 and beyond) hosted by the Arlington Living Schoolyard Initiative
    https://antioch.zoom.us/rec/play/RFDrDs0SyGMBMH7zIzKoAESCKXpw2iRJXbNPWgr9_qttXDJCRXi9so1rWTVEpaANFQP8we2thYcDbyoL.SS5LqXyMkBJmNy7D?continueMode=true&_x_zm_rtaid=aptdSsCDRZ2qx-HFbRHahA.1612307211801.e35d3b435727a3123b43f1e710c84050&_x_zm_rhtaid=452 

    Book suggestion:
    Nature-Based Learning for Young Children: Anytime, Anywhere, on Any Budget by Julie Powers and Sheila Williams Ridge. I love the invitation to "add nature experiences incrementally" as you are ready: dipping your toe in, wading in, and diving in! Redleaf Press.



     



    ------------------------------
    Peggy Ashbrook
    Early childhood science teacher
    Alexandria, VA
    NSTA The Early Years columnist, Science and Children
    Early Years blogger, https://www.nsta.org/blog/all?keywords=Early+Childhood
    Author: Science Learning in the Early Years, and
    Science Is Simple
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 42.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-04-2021 05:35 PM
    Great resources, Peggy! Thanks for sharing.

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    Monica
    Pre-K Teacher
    SF Bay Area
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    Original Message


  • 43.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-06-2021 10:54 AM
    A Couple of neat resources are Kids Gardening/, Nature Explore (info@natureexplore.org) and Natural Start Alliance which also has an annual conference that is really good.

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    Sara Garner
    Assistant Professor
    SEMO
    Advance MO
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    Original Message


  • 44.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-07-2021 09:06 AM
    There is a lovely book for children about creating a garden using native plants.  Written by Jared Rosenbaum and illustrated by Laura Rosenbaum, the story is about bear cub inviting friends by making a habitat for them.  The title is THE PUDDLE GARDEN, published by Wild Ridge Press.

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    Rebecca Ziegler
    Assistant Teacher
    Wish Upon A Star
    Palm Bay FL
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    Original Message


  • 45.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-06-2021 06:07 PM
    Hi! You can ask your coordinator for your center where you receive your training. They can help provide resources. Simple things you can do is purchase balls, hula hoops, bubbles, and sound speakers to engage with the children while they are outside! 

    good luck,
    Jennifer Alquist

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    Jennifer Alquist
    Teacher
    Concord First Academy
    Concord NC
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    Original Message


  • 46.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-06-2021 06:10 PM
    Hello! you can ask your coordinator for your center that is connected to your county that you live in for resource materials. Some simple things to do is purchase some items like balls, hula hoops, bubbles, and sound speakers to help engage with children while you are outside. You can also do art and science projects outside. There are several different things you can do.
    Good Luck,
    Jennifer Alquist

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    Jennifer Alquist
    Teacher
    Concord First Academy
    Concord NC
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    Original Message


  • 47.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 02-09-2021 11:22 AM
    So many resources to support outdoor learning...
    The children's book Nature Spy by Shelley Rotner with photos by Ken Kreisler follows a young preK-elementary age child as she explores a few places outdoors. In English and Spanish: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/books/nature-spy-by-ken-kreisler/

    This video by a group in Arlington, Virginia, discusses how to use spaces that are available around the current buildings for outdoor learning:

    Outdoor Learning in Arlington ,Virginia (during COVID-19 and beyond), archived webinar with case study, hosted by the Arlington Living Schoolyard Initiative
    https://antioch.zoom.us/rec/play/RFDrDs0SyGMBMH7zIzKoAESCKXpw2iRJXbNPWgr9_qttXDJCRXi9so1rWTVEpaANFQP8we2thYcDbyoL.SS5LqXyMkBJmNy7D?continueMode=true&_x_zm_rtaid=aptdSsCDRZ2qx-HFbRHahA.1612307211801.e35d3b435727a3123b43f1e710c84050&_x_zm_rhtaid=452

    A webinar coming up (and will be archived:     Supporting Teachers in Nature-Based Programs, by Sheila Williams Ridge and Sarah Sivright
    https://www.earlychildhoodwebinars.com/webinars/supporting-teachers-in-nature-based-programs-by-sheila-williams-ridge/ 

    And resources from Green Schoolyards America's National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative

    Best wishes,
    Peggy



    ------------------------------
    Peggy Ashbrook
    Early childhood science teacher
    Alexandria, VA
    NSTA The Early Years columnist, Science and Children
    Early Years blogger, https://www.nsta.org/blog/all?keywords=Early+Childhood
    Author: Science Learning in the Early Years, and
    Science Is Simple
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 48.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 03-15-2021 02:26 PM
    I'm not sure what curriculum she uses, but Adrienne, the author of Dirt & Bricks blog is a teacher in an outdoors classroom. She has great articles & might be able to help point you in the right direction.

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    Toni Dickerson

    "Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded." - Jess Lair
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    Original Message


  • 49.  RE: Outdoors curriculum

    Posted 03-15-2021 02:40 PM
    Hello! Project Learning Tree is an excellent outdoor based curriculum.

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    Dawne Morison
    Gainesville FL
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    Original Message