Description

If you are employed in a state that uses a registry to track professional development hours, you will be able to provide your registry ID (Stars, MOPID, Registry or other ECE ID#) after you have completed the quiz for the course. If you pass the quiz we will report your course completion to the state registry using the registry ID that you provide.

Transform your outdoor area into an engaging outdoor classroom that extends learning beyond traditional indoor spaces. Designed for early childhood educators, this course explores the benefits, planning, budgeting, space requirements, and developmentally appropriate activities for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. Participants will explore practical strategies and examples for creating outdoor learning environments that meet the needs of different age groups and settings. Apply these ideas to design an inviting outdoor classroom that encourages exploration, learning, movement, and meaningful play. Course length – 3.5 hours.

The course will help answer the following questions:

• Why should I create an outdoor classroom?

• How will I create an outdoor classroom?

• What kind of budget will I need for an outdoor classroom?

• How much space do I need?

• How can infants use an outdoor classroom?

• How can toddlers use an outdoor classroom?

• How can preschoolers use an outdoor classroom?

• How can school age use an outdoor classroom?

Participants who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• Identify at least three core principles of an effective outdoor classroom with 80% accuracy on the course assessment.

• Identify at least three benefits of outdoor learning for young children.

• Develop a lesson plan that connects an outdoor learning experience to an early childhood learning standard.

• Select at least three outdoor activities that promote curiosity, observation skills, and respect for nature.

• Create an outdoor-classroom plan that includes developmentally appropriate materials, learning opportunities, and at least three safety considerations.