Planning for Outdoor Learning
Thinking about incorporating outdoor learning in your 2020-21 school plans? This webinar features case studies from San Mateo County, including a principal perspective, two community-based partners that piloted programs over the summer, and a teacher's perspective on preparing to teach outdoors.
Additional Resources
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Video (7:30): Condensed Introduction to Outdoor Learning as Part of COVID-19 Recovery
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Video (5:06): Teacher Perspective from Private Independent School
Customized Technical Assistance
There is an urgent need to reimagine PreK-12 schools in order to reopen safely and equitably. Repurposing outdoor spaces is a cost-effective way to reduce the burden on indoor classrooms while providing fresh air, hands-on learning opportunities, and the health benefits associated with increased access to nature. Click on the button below if you would like to request support from SMCOE's Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Initiative (ELSI) in making outdoor learning more feasible in your school community.
Outdoor Learning Resources
Outdoor Learning During COVID-19
Outdoor learning is a time-tested approach to keeping school open during a pandemic. A hundred years ago, schools around the world went outside to reduce the spread of tuberculosis and Spanish flu. Today, school leaders are looking again to the outdoors for the following benefits:
- Provide more equitable access to in-person learning by getting more students on campus
- Safer environment for staff and students with access to cleaner air and natural ventilation
- Greater physical distancing
- Cost-effective and quick to implement
- Increased hands-on learning opportunities
- Proven mental and physical health benefits for students and staff
Green Schoolyards America, in partnership with the San Mateo County Office of Education, is developing resources for outdoor learning. Visit Green Schoolyards America's COVID-19 Outdoor Learning page to find official guidelines and policies, case studies, design resources, and outdoor learning integration tools. Additional resources are below.
Outdoor Learning in the News
- COVID, Climate, and Equitable Spaces: Why Outdoor Learning is More Essential than Ever (Grist, Fix, October 15, 2020)
- What If Schools Viewed Outdoor Learning as 'Plan A'? (EdSurge, October 5, 2020)
- El Cerrito School Serves as a Model for Outdoor Learning Amid COVID-19 (ABC7 News, September 17, 2020)
Andra Yeghoian
Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Coordinator
Email: ayeghoian@smcoe.org
Phone: (650) 802-5406