There is a great deal of attention being paid to the positive impacts of outdoor learning on students’ cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. There are many organizations and websites that offer resources, research, and information. The following are several that we have found to be the most helpful and popular.
A national organization, Green Schoolyards, expands and strengthens the green schoolyard movement and empowers Americans to become stewards of their school and neighborhood environments.
KidsGardening supports the educators and caregivers bringing the life-changing benefits of gardening to kids. They support educators and families with grant funding, original educational resources, inspiration, and community to get more kids learning through the garden.
Dedicated to increasing the quantity, quality, and benefit of outdoor experiences for children in early care and education programs, the Outdoor Classroom Project provides educational and consulting services on the value and design of engaging outdoor learning environments to teachers, administrators, and parents.
Inside-Outside: Nature-based educators connected and formed in response to a growing interest in nature-based education. Their purpose is to develop a network of educators and educational institutions throughout the U.S. to support, connect and partner; to confidently, safely and joyfully venture outdoors with children and to teach and learn with nature
The comprehensive guide shares the ins and outs of an Outdoor Classroom including structures, lesson planning, and stewardship.
The Tips and Tricks document was developed to guide teachers in using and making the best out of their Outdoor Classrooms.
Rebecca Cline spearheads bi-weekly schoolyard cleanups at a Boston Public School. After successfully leading parent volunteers and their children to pull weeds, cut up overgrowth, dig up tree roots, rake, and more, Cline created a roadmap for others to manage schoolyard cleanups.
