Outdoor Learning in Winter: Tips for Teachers
As we enter into the winter season, a time of year that has so much more to give than the cold and white landscape! While it may be tempting to curl up and stay inside, getting outside can be an energizing way to kick winter blues and keep kids learning and engaged during the season.
If you’ve just become a teacher by pursuing courses like Online MA in Teaching or you are a seasoned teacher looking to take your classroom outdoors and seeking creative ways to learn through play, then we have got you covered.
Explore our blog post, to learn some of the best winter outdoor learning ideas that are perfect for sparking curiosity and keeping kids excited all season long.
So, without any further delay, let’s get started.
Benefits of Outdoor Learning
Before knowing how to prepare yourself for outdoor activities and some fun outdoor activities, let’s get to know some of the benefits of outdoor learning:
>> Increased Engagement and Well-Being
Outdoor learning, especially during the brisk and beautiful winter months, does wonders for kids' engagement and well-being! Stepping outside the traditional classroom setting invites students to actively participate in their educational journey.
The experiential nature of outdoor activities sparks curiosity and enthusiasm. Imagine a child's joy when identifying animal tracks in freshly fallen snow or building a snow structure as tall as they are! It is these hands-on experiences that encourage deeper learning and promote overall mental health, keeping the winter blues at bay.
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>> Decreased Risk of Illness Transmission
During the cold and flu season, outdoor learning has a bonus benefit: decreased risk of illness transmission. By moving learning activities outdoors, where there's plenty of fresh air and space to spread out, we help minimize the close contact that can lead to spreading germs. It's a win-win situation, safer interactions, and an environment bursting with learning opportunities!
>> Connection to the Environment
The breathtaking winter landscape provides a rich learning environment, drawing students closer to nature and teaching them about their surroundings. Outdoor education fosters a connection with the environment, nurturing respect and understanding of the natural world. This connection is not only educational but crucial for developing environmental stewardship in our future generations.
Preparing for Winter Outdoor Activities
Let’s get to know some of the best ways of how you can prepare yourself and your students for the winter outdoor activities effectively:
>> Dressing Appropriately for Winter
A crucial component of successful winter outdoor learning is ensuring everyone is dressed for the occasion. Layer up! Warm hats, gloves, scarves, waterproof boots, and insulated coats will keep the chill at bay, allowing everyone to focus more on learning and less on the cold.
>> Collaborating with the Community
Collaboration elevates outdoor learning experiences. Inviting parents, community members, or even involving local experts can provide richer and more diverse perspectives. Together, we can transform a simple outdoor activity into a dynamic and engaging learning experience for everyone involved.
>> Adhering to Cultural Protocols
Respecting cultural protocols is essential, especially when integrating land-based practices into outdoor learning. Engaging with local Indigenous communities and inviting Elders or Knowledge Keepers to participate in learning activities enhances education and fosters mutual respect. This collaboration supports cultural awareness, allowing students to learn from traditional knowledge and worldviews in meaningful ways.
Integrating Outdoor Learning with Curriculum
Winter doesn't have to mean an end to outdoor fun and learning! Embracing the chilly months with open arms, we can turn the great outdoors into a magnificent classroom that integrates seamlessly with the curriculum. Picture this: fresh air, rosy cheeks, and minds abuzz with creativity and curiosity.
Let's dive into how we can make winter our greatest educational ally.
>> Nature Walks as Learning Opportunities
Nature walks are magical pathways to endless learning. When bundled up and equipped with the basics, students can explore animal tracks and observe the ecosystem's intricate web. It’s a chance to connect observations with lessons on biology by examining organisms discovered along the way.
Encourage students to construct snow structures to understand geometry and physics better, adding layers of practical math and physical science to the adventure. Discussing the impact of human activities on wildlife can spark meaningful conversations tied to social studies, allowing students to reflect on both historical and contemporary environmental footprints.
>> Writing and Storytelling
The wintry world outside is a vast canvas for the imagination. As students explore, they can capture their experiences and observations through writing, transforming them into stories or poems. Encourage learners to develop procedural writing skills by detailing their winter explorations.
Storytelling, especially through Indigenous narratives, enriches their understanding of cultural perspectives and ties the teachings of the land with language arts. Bringing these stories into the classroom nurtures a personal connection to both the curriculum and the environment.
>> Practical Math and Science Exploration
Winter’s natural elements present perfect moments for hands-on math and science learning. Nature walks offer real-world scenarios to expand on topics like animal tracking, speed calculation, and snow structure creation. Discussing weather patterns and atmospheric conditions can turn a walk into a meteorological workshop, where forecasts and climate discussions come alive.
Use portable microscopes to dive into biology, analyzing organisms in their natural habitat. Engage students with mathematical puzzles using snowflakes and geometric designs, turning every snow day into an exhilarating educational experience.
Embracing Winter Outdoor Learning
Winter is a magical time to embrace the great outdoors as a classroom. Being immersed in nature not only supports physical health but also enhances the mental well-being of students. The crisp winter air and serene landscapes offer a perfect backdrop for educational activities that explore everything from creative writing to core subject knowledge gain. Whether building snow structures or tracking the footprints of wildlife, these adventures seamlessly blend fun with curriculum goals.
So, let’s gear up and embrace winter outdoor learning with the above-mentioned activities and pursue courses like Online MA in Teaching, to keep your students engaged and connected to the world around them and learn at the same time.
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