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The Whole School “Hook” Using PLT Outdoors Laura Duffey Minnesota PLT
The Whole School “Hook”
Using PLT Outdoors
Laura Duffey
Minnesota PLT
A little history Statute Forgotten boxes It’s alive!
3 parts
1. The Site
Nearby nature
2. Teacher cohort
Army of support
3. The Tools
Activity Board
Only the best
Why do schools want this?
Outdoor classroom/lessons are visible to community Parents want it (heightened awareness of NDD) Schools need help managing their site
Some teachers like being outside and know children learn better outdoors. School forest are non-political/non-controversial, because the kids come to “own” it.
Outcomes of Whole-School Approach That Use Outdoors Bayview afterschool program Waconia test scores Grand Rapids FFA champs Teachers come/go; but the site stays
2012: Governor Dayton recognized our program as one of the top 10 programs to help Minnesotans get the education and skills needed to achieve their goals.
It takes work to set up long-term support
How to select a school They come to us We vett inquiries for appropriateness and commitment
Vetting
1. The site
Vetting 2. The legal stuff
3. The point-of-contact
Vetting
4. The application Deed Map Legal description Committee School board resolution
Vetting
5. The designation
Vetting
Deliverables! Needed for long-term success
The school will
1. Maintain a point-of-contact
The school will 2. Do at least 5 activities/year
The school will
3. Annual report
The school will
4. Support their outdoor classroom
The school will
5. Distribute materials & communication that we give them
The program will 1. Provide & share activities
The program will 2. Hold school accountable/ help during transitions
The program will 3. Connect school with NR professionals, volunteers, etc.
The program will 3. Provide professional development
The program will 5. Provide a stewardship plan
The program will 5. Maintain open communication, but not too much
The program will 7. Be here long-term
GRAVY! GPS loaner kits Stipends to attend events Webinars Tree cookies Field desks Mailings Signs Seedlings
The workshop Multiple visits Goal: Learn how to teach outdoors, using PLT and other tools
Workshop goals Get outdoor activities Get to know the site • How to get there with students • ID • Cool spots • Gear they already have/where
Raise level of comfort teaching outside
Workshop goals Learn what the other teachers are doing!
Raise level of comfort teaching outside
Setting up a whole school program What would you like to provide schools now? In 5 years? In 20?
With whom can YOU partner?
Green Schools Dept of Education program USFS Forest for Every Classroom Dept of Natural Resources Your NAAEE affiliate
