IslandWood

School Overnight Program• Primary focus is to

provide residential learning experiences for 4th – 6th graders

• Project-based field work

• Close year-round relationships developed with partner schools

Graduate Program

• Based on the principle that a more sustainable future demands knowledgeable, committed and reflective educators

• 10 month residency in environment, education and community

• In partnership with UW College of Education

Adult Leadership Programs

• Leadership retreats

• Teacher development workshops

• Hosting the Sustainability Education Summer Institute, July 27 - 29

Using the outdoors to nurture early learners

Kids are drawn to nature.

Skillful teachers can use nature to create powerful learning

experiences.

Connecting to Place

Learning and practicing care

The outdoor classroom is:

• Not recess or outdoor play time

• Nor is it about environmental advocacy

Ecophobia

• Vast global and environmental issues should not be laid at the feet of early learners

• No tragedies before 4th grade

The teacher in the outdoor classroom

How to be outside with kids

• Start small

• Start local

• Focus on Place

Get help and make sure they are

prepared

Plan ahead have the supplies you need on

hand

So, what are we going to do outside?

The outdoor classroom

Build anticipation

• Use a familiar prop that kids can associate with adventure.

• Create a bag or box of surprise tools to explore nature

• Create special places just for kids

• Create rich sensory experiences

• Build confidence and a sense of wonder about the world

Combine music, movement and creative expression

Employ mimicry

Dig things up and turn them over

get dirty

For learning sake, get your kids outside