INSPIRED BY REGGIO EMILIA: Designing the Outdoor Classroom

Learning Strategies that Promote High Sensory Experiences, Support Foundational Literacy, and Scientific Inquiry

3 Hours 16 Minutes of Content

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Heralded by Harvard University's Project Zero, the Reggio Emilia Approach is blend of theory and practice that is based upon decades of research in early childhood development.  Founder Loris Malaguzzi designed a teaching approach which is alive, creative and emergent.

Central to the Reggio Emilia approach is the image of the child as a strong and powerful player in their own education. The teacher is seen as a researcher and protagonist, creating a learning environment that is engaging and highly social. Children learn through play and are assessed through documentation. The documentation makes the learning visible and informs the practice – ultimately leading to innovations in curriculum.

Like our indoor classrooms, the outdoor classroom successfully engages students through design, flow and use of materials.  In this course we examine design features of successful outdoor classrooms. We consider what makes spaces beautiful, inviting and inclusive. We include video content of spaces on the playground specific to literacy, imaginary play and scientific inquiry. In this way, we offer teaching teams and schools ideas about how to get started, how fund the outdoor classroom, making direct links to early learning standards.

With over twenty years in the early childhood field, Mary Ann Biermeier is an Arizona certified instructor holding a master degree with distinction in Early Childhood Education Curriculum & Instruction from Northern Arizona University, a graduate degree in Instructional Design and Digital Media from the University of Maryland, and a B.A. in Political Science & Economics from the University of Minnesota.

Deep learning is always connected to enjoyment - we hope you will enjoy this class!

REVIEWS:

Jeffery – “Nature Teacher at Little Explorers Preschool and Nature Center Madison Wi. Sometimes I go back to my childhood and remember all the times I played outside with my Brothers. We created a bunch of stuff with outside materials. This class has shown me new ideas to incorporate into my Nature Progam with the ones I already have. Fun!”

Maricela – “This curse is great opportunity, to learn how we can teach the children with a natural recourses, that we can find in our environment.”

Shirley – “That's fantastic - I am going to do in my classroom.”

Elena - "As educators, we all know the value of the outdoors. I took part in this course to get some inspiration on how to zhoosh up my outdoor area. This course provides some great ideas for the Outdoor Classroom. It is also a great reminder that these things don't happen over night!”

Lee – “Taking the first step to bring classroom outside is an interesting avenue for teachers and children alike. The feeling of open space will definitely release tension unlimited flow of open-ended materials will inspire endless learning experiences for all parties. Involving parents is a great bonus.”

Martha – “Very informative and realistic. 3 important point for outside environment are 1.high sensory 2 social charge and positive emotional the importance of long term memory.”

Ridhima – “Absolutely loved every bit of it. I love the way the course has been presented and engages the learner. I never wanted it to end.”

Ivette – “Interesting, educational, and resourceful.”

Nitin – “I've enjoyed the course so much! There are a tremendous lot of fun, engaging, and exciting ideas in there, and it all gave me a lot to think about. I am thinking of starting an outdoor kindergarten (combining forest and beach) on the tropical island of Mauritius, and I can't wait to implement many of those ideas! Thank you!”

Mary Ann – “Very informative, provides lots of great ideas to set up an outdoor classroom to encourage relationships, build on vocabulary and in general provides new learning experiences.”

Hande – “It was an amazing course that is a meticulously created tutorial.”