ERIC Number: EJ875147
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0164-8527
EISSN: N/A
Outdoor Classroom Coordinator
Keeler, Rusty
Exchange: The Early Childhood Leaders' Magazine Since 1978, n191 p34-36 Jan-Feb 2010
Everybody loves the idea of children playing outdoors. Outside, children get to experience the seasons, challenge their minds and bodies, connect with the natural world, and form a special relationship with the planet. But in order for children to get the most of their outdoor time it is important that the environment be prepared by caring adults with the children's experiences in mind. Teachers prepare the indoor classroom each day for children's play and learning--water tables, art materials, science areas, long-term projects, snacks. The outdoors should be no different: Teachers can plan outdoor activities and set out materials for the children to explore and experiment with, such as art materials, building materials, gardening tools, construction elements, and more. A richly prepared outdoor environment makes all the difference for children's experiences. While many teachers love setting up the outside environment and seeing children engaged in the activities, it can mean a lot of extra work on top of their already full schedule. Isn't there someone else who can help? Someone who can take charge of the outdoors so children and teachers can get the most out of it? Yes, in fact, there is! Outdoor Classroom Coordinators to the rescue! Centers all over are creating special positions for people whose full-time job is to coordinate the outdoor experience for children and teachers. This article presents an interview with Sharon Young, an outdoor classroom coordinator in Houston, Texas. In this interview, Young tells more about her wonderful and important job.
Descriptors: Outdoor Education, Recreational Activities, Play, Coordinators, Planning, Learning Activities, Educational Environment, Personal Narratives, School Community Relationship
Exchange Press, Inc. P.O. Box 3249, Redmond, WA 98073-3249. Tel: 800-221-2864; Fax: 425-867-5217; e-mail: info@ChildCareExchange.com; Web site: http://www.childcareexchange.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A