Outdoor Classrooms

Outdoor Classrooms is an incredible resource for teachers and caregivers and is literally a neighbor to us up here in NH. Victoria Hackett has created this community of teachers, family care providers, parents, and passionate community members. Currently enrolled in her Outdoor Teacher Certification Course, I had a great opportunity to share some of my experiences with Victoria in a case study. 

The Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp has profoundly influenced my approach, encouraging me to pause and 'observe' children's play activities. This idea of

reflective observation was pivotal in reshaping my perspective. During my observations, I found myself questioning the children's activities and the equipment they engaged with. One specific piece of equipment initially appeared dispensable due to its unappealing look. However, I noticed that older kids were drawn to it, using it enthusiastically to sit and perch. This insight prompted me to reassess its value and consider introducing more such safe, yet

challenging elements to promote adventurous play. Instead of merely filling empty spaces as before, my approach has shifted. I've observed that creating engaging, interactive installations—like the weather station we built last year—generated considerable interest. Although its novelty

has faded, I believe reintroducing it might reignite engagement. This experience has highlighted the significance of designing outdoor spaces with the natural play patterns of children in mind, rather than catering to my own preferences. It has transformed how I view and interact with our outdoor

environment."

Outdoor Classrooms