Learning Outdoors

"Why not have class outside?" Easy for them to say .... ;) But ... with some prep, it can be fun and productive!

In these continuing pandemic days (or really anytime!), as the weather gets nicer in the northern hemisphere, we can look to the outdoors to supplement our classroom space, but only if our needs can be met there for safety and security :) 

First, think about safety. Is the surrounding area conducive to having class outside? Are there too many distractions from heavy traffic or loud noises? Is it too sunny/shady? The physical position of the teacher (and other adults) and students is also important, as you want to make sure no one is out of sight or close to hazards (like streets or steep slopes).

Next, this plan takes some prep work for the teacher, instead of a spur-of-the-moment decision. Try a rolling cart or carry basket pre-loaded with all the supplies you might need. (A small white board, markers, some chalk, sticky notes, etc.) Students could have pre-made "seats,"such as folded beach towels or small pillows tied inside plastic shopping bags for avoiding dampness. Clipboards are always a great addition, making things "official" :)

Then, choose what part of your daily lesson would work best outdoors. Some topics really work in outdoor settings, such as: 

• measurement or making patterns in math - Take your measurement tools outdoors and use objects found there to extend your lesson. Or, find natural objects outdoors to arrange and extend patterns on the sidewalk or in a grassy area.
• growing things or force and motion in science - Take these topics outdoors and plant in the dirt or in raised containers or offer wood planks and blocks to encourage experimentation with force and motion ideas. Add a few balls or toy cars and see what theories your friends can prove.
• poetry or descriptive writing or really any type of creative writing - Any age students would enjoy laying outdoors on a beach towel and writing/drawing about what they see/feel/hear.
• reading aloud with discussion - This would be great, even as a last-minute idea, and can break your day up, allowing for stretching and movement, as well.
• independent reading/paired reading (more room to spread out)/small groups - Experiment with different set-ups for reading time and spread your class out a little. Have something in mind to hold them accountable for what they are reading during this time. You may choose to pull a small group, as long as you can still monitor safety for the others.
• art with watercolor paints, chalk, recycled sculptures, nature sculptures - There are so many art projects that can be enhanced by being outdoors, and help your children connect art and nature.

Have Fun!

Tools for Squirmy Students

Kids need to move like they need to breathe :) Teachers need kids to listen and keep their attention on lessons. These two things do NOT always go together :)

To avoid frustration in both parties, try employing some strategies that are low to no cost, but can really pay off. With a few adjustments, and LOTS of trial and error, little tweaks can be made to accommodate movement in the classroom, without it being so distracting to the student or others.

Seating Options: 

Having a small variety of alternate seating options can be beneficial. A sturdier, heavier chair works for some, while a cube chair or stool can give support for other students. Ask for donations of a rocker, stool, etc. and see what comes in  :) 

A "wiggle cushion" placed on a classroom chair can give the student a little room to move, without scraping chair legs on the floor. Rubber casters or tennis balls can be used to eliminate the scraping too :)

Sitting on a yoga ball can do the same thing, but some may need to be stabilized for safety. Simply standing up to work within a defined space for some tasks can give some students the physical stimulus they are needing, without it being a big deal. Some like roller chairs, but sometimes they can be even more distracting.

If your student is slumping over the desk or table, try turning the chair around to force a straighter spine, or using an upended cube chair, if available, to help with posture and core strength.

Tactile tools: 

For a squirmy student, try a squeezable stress ball or a small ball of Playdoh (with a quiet conversation about how this is to squeeze, not to divert attention.) Another option is a square or strip of some kind of tacky material, like Velcro, that offers a tactile stimulus, either on top or just below the edge of the child's space, that they can interact with.

Attention Tools:

Reference cards with visual cues to keep eyes on the teacher, etc. can be taped next to the child's spot or posted in the room, to be tapped quietly when the student needs a reminder. It can be as simple as a few line drawings or emojis, taped up with packing tape or laminated. Sequenced cards can help with multi-step processes like packing up, giving visual assistance to students in need of direction.

A "speaker" mascot is another tool that comes in handy - a small stuffed animal or squishy toy would work - as you quietly place it in front of the speaker of the moment. (COVID rules may require you to save this for another time.) A pretend microphone would work the same - if you are holding it, it is your turn to speak. If not, it's not! It’s a visual way for students to “see” whose turn it is :)

Movement Breaks:

Whether it's "Go Noodle," YouTube, or any other resource, there are LOTS of movement activities out there that can be used for reinforcing learning. Aside from practice, movement can also be beneficial to students' focusing ability.

Yoga poses are great for breaks, working on stretching and breathing. Look for Gorilla Yoga or a free program on YouTube.  Playing a little "Follow My Move" is also helpful, as students take turns showing a "move" and others do it in turn, counting to 5 or 10. (This is also nice when you have to switch technology or something and need the class to transition.)

Any forms of vestibular stimulation (dancing, bouncing, yoga upside-down poses) are helpful for all kiddos, especially those that aren't getting a lot of movement opportunities outside the classroom. These movements are calming and help with ability to focus. And, they're fun! 

Try something new - have fun!

COVID Creativity: Singing Alternatives

In these days of COVID teaching, it’s hard to come up with ways to let kids be kids during their critical early childhood years. We know that kids learn through doing, and that songs and rhymes can help to solidify learning of things like counting and the ABCs. Restrictions on social distance and singing, in particular, have put a damper on the FUN (and learning) of circle times throughout the world.

Time to get super creative - with any energy you have left after prep, screen time and in-person precautions .... :) 

What about whisper singing through masks ... it’s fun and silly to whisper, but should keep a lid on the projection of air. Kiddos can whisper and/or mouth and act out songs, while keeping their distance, and enjoy the experience whether at home or in front of the teacher. Whisper the “Days of the Week” song, or silly face mouth your way through the “Month Macarena” - it’s all good!

For a different experience, try percussion accompaniment ... Cut up some pool noodles or recycle your cardboard paper towel rolls to make drumsticks, for drumming along with songs while mouthing the words ... the more elaborate the “game,” the more it will stick in their minds ... and probably get some giggles going! Imagine “We Can Count to 100” using drumsticks - first 10 to the right, teens in the middle, twenties to the left, etc. 

Teachers who like to use songs for mini-breaks, rethink a way to add motion without voice projection. Kids still need to “shake it out,” wherever they are learning. If possible, weather permitting, try taking your circle time or break time outdoors. Spread out and belt out a few songs, then run it off before buckling back down. 

Have fun while learning :) 💙

Note: photo is pre-COVID :)

Learning and Blending Sounds with Movement

When learning sounds or how to blend sounds to read, adding movement activities can help for increasing focus and solidifying the learning. 

There are lots of programs with motions that connect letters to sounds - if you have access to one or can find one on YouTube, it’s a great way to help your child(ren) make connections between sounds and letters. If not, consider making up one of your own!

As a next step, blending across your fingers (touch each one as you make a sound) or up/down your arm (chop each sound at a different point on your arm) are great ways to start with helping beginners understand the art of blending sounds together to make words.

Sometimes it helps to add objects and hand movements to understand blending. For CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, grab three objects and touch each one as you say a sound - blending as you go. “B-A-T bat.” 

For even more movement, use some painters tape or sticky notes to make letter spots on the floor or go outdoors with some chalk. Make letter circles or squares to hop onto or into, to blend and make words. Think of a word, then jump from letter to letter to make it! Once you turn it into a game, and practice it, they will start to play it on their own. 

Keep it simple to start! Begin with one vowel and a few consonants within reach of each other and take turns building words. Kiddos love an example and then freedom to make their own choices. Even “nonsense words” can count - if the sounds are right! Give guidance as needed :) 

Have fun!

Remote Learning: Movement Breaks

Hey teachers! :) Don’t give up your movement breaks when remote learning is the model you’re working in! We KNOW how important breaks are for keeping attention focused and there are so many options that are easy to use  ... redeploy strategies you’ve used in the classroom and just tweak them a little bit! 

Establish routines that include movement for starters, transitions, and wake-up, shake-up times. :) 

Starting out your day, instead of roll call, have Make Your Move - when they hear their name, they make their signature move - get some wiggles out before sitting down at the screen. Or try a rhyme game ... “If your name rhymes with _____ , do a dance!” This is a fun way to get everyone interested and on task, and sneak in a little rhyming lesson.

For transitions in the virtual classroom, when you want to switch subject matter or get new supplies out, use a YouTube or a class song to get everyone moving and set a time limit. Try “We Can Count to 100” on YouTube to count up, clean up and regroup (while also getting LOTS of practice counting all the way up to 100.) You could use this for “bio-breaks” also, while remote learning, so everyone isn’t hopping off at odd times.   

When you see that attention is waning or bodies are getting twitchy, have a cupcake or muffin tin ready with movements taped in the bottom and a big pompom. Make a show of tossing the pompom high so it lands in one of the cups, and have your students do whatever comes up, counting to 10. Once you do one or two, slide back into your lesson. 

For an alternative, try a game of Follow my Move, where students take turns choosing a stretch, exercise or dance move and everyone follows, while counting to 5 or 10. ( More counting practice!) Spacing this out throughout your screen time, using popsicle sticks with kiddos names, will keep them wondering who’s next ....

Using popsicle sticks of your own to draw or label a movement, stretch, activity is also a great way to keep them organized and make sure you have LOTS of options during your on-air time. There are even sets you can find on teacher supply websites if you want to go that route. 

For littles, a good old fashioned ABC March around individual spaces gets a little percussive movement in to get the wiggles out. Really get silly with how hard you march and lift those knees! Acting out simple finger plays with the whole body is effective for getting the blood flowing and minds on task, while highlighting rhyming or counting :) Think 5 Little Monkeys or The Itsy-Bitsy Spider with LARGE hand and arm movements ...

Transitions could also include a little Teacher I Spy! incorporating shapes and colors, or a more movement - oriented “Find Me ...” where the student has to bring an object back to the screen that is a particular shape, color, or whatever. If you’re learning about numbers, make it “Find me 8 of something small ...” These brief movement breaks will incorporate learning, but allow movement - win, win! 

Have fun!