Top reasons to green your school yard

I just found the green schoolyard network based out of Boston. This wonderful resource is full of information on reasons to green a school yard. This includes gardens and play areas for students. The website discusses how many school yards seem to be set up as prison yards, with asphalt and chain link fences, designed primarily for the surveillance of students, rather than having their well-being in mind. Several articles I've read refer to how traditional school play structures are benefiting the type A child, rather than the timid student, who prefers quiet and solace than the boisterous play of others. The greening movement is gaining momentum.

So, with the above in mind, here are some good reasons to have an outdoor classroom experience in your green school yard. These ideas came from the green school yard website. Some ideas I have expanded on.

1. Shifts educational focus from secondary to primary sources.Traditional classroom teaching uses textbooks, lectures, video and the internet as instructional tools. The Outdoor Classroom exposes students through direct experience to nature areas and demonstration models .
2. Uses experiential teaching to engage students.The Outdoor Classroom fosters active, hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a real world setting. Through group problem-solving activities students embrace the learning process as well as seeking final outcomes.
3. Makes learning a multi-sensory experience.  E. O. Wilson’s Biophilia Hypothesis reminds us that the human species, having evolved in the natural world, has a deeply-rooted need to associate and connect with nature. Students need to feel they belong and the outdoor classroom helps them reconnect with nature.
4. Fosters the use of systems thinking. As a mini-ecosystem, the Outdoor Classroom emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things. Through exposure to the intricate web of life, students come to understand that complex natural and societal systems often require holistic rather than linear solutions.
5. Lends itself to inter-disciplinary studies. In seeking a holistic understanding of the outdoor classroom it is often necessary, and desirable, to employ multiple academic disciplines. Laying out a planting bed requires math skills. Distinguishing native from non-native plants provides an opportunity for social studies. Creating a scarecrow is an art project. A garden journal will foster writing and drawing skills. There are many curriculum ideas that are posted on the blog and to be found on the internet. Many local initiatives are also available.
6. Recognizes and celebrates differing learning styles. As popularized in Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, people have a variety of aptitudes and ways of learning. Although some students thrive in a text-based environment, others will benefit from a more experiential approach.
7. Connects the school to the neighborhood and the world-at-large. Through learning and stewardship activities students come to understand that their schoolyard microcosm reflects global environmental issues. Proximity to the surrounding neighborhood often leads to service learning projects that emphasize social involvement and responsibility. Accessibility to the Outdoor Classroom provides opportunities for after-school programming, perhaps involving community partners. High visibility and interest encourages local volunteerism. What school is not looking for higher parental involvement? This often leads to higher test scores for students whose parents play an active role in their school.
8. Design and installation is a modest capital expense. School systems often struggle with budgetary issues in prioritizing initiatives. The cost/benefit ratio for installing and sustaining an Outdoor Classroom is attractive and the goal of an Outdoor Classroom in every schoolyard is achievable. Many funding opportunities are available for the right project. Many grant opportunities can be found on my blog.
9. Projects a positive message about public education.Schoolyards can be degraded and unsafe or vibrant, dynamic school/community open spaces. Either way, we send a message to students and neighborhood about how much we value the education of our children and the community at large. Increasing the positive talk around the neighbourhood can send positive messages to the school.  The Outdoor Classroom is a reminder that innovation is alive and well in public education. The community may well follow suit.
10. Blurs the boundaries between academic learning and creative play. Kids love the Outdoor Classroom. When a teacher asks who wants to go outside every hand is raised. Absenteeism goes down on Outdoor Classroom days. By preserving a child’s innate sense of curiosity and wonder we will foster active and engaged life long learners. This in turn sends the message to a child that learning can be fun!