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Yes, agree. It's been so nice to get out of my comfort zone and take everyday lessons outside.

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When used properly technology can help enhance the outdoor experience in my opinion. One example from this year was we installed a bird feeder with a wifi camera that takes pictures of birds that use the feeder and sends them directly to my phone, I am able to pull up pictures of all of the animals that visit the feeder on the screen, it's really amazing and kids arent always able to see birds using the feeder when we are outside because naturally the birds are not wanting to use the feeder with a classroom full of students around.

I work with students studying agriculture and the future of farming is heavily based technology. There was a farm in the Netherlands that planted, fertilized, weeded, and harvested an entire filed with no human involvement, only tractors controlled by robots and AI.

There are definitely times when I think technology can be a distraction, but I don't think it in anyway diminishes the authentic natural experience for students.

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The program has given me tools in every way. Even to listen to kids needs and don't be so structure when giving a class.

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The program has given me tools in every way. Even to listen to kids needs and don't be so structure when giving a class.

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My students love to go to the garden to write, draw or just relax. Even when we aren’t planning on it they ask me if we can go work there. I love how much they enjoy just being there. It relaxes them and they seem to concentrate better.

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I agree with "the more I know, the more I want to know!" So excited to keep learning! -Nicki Mann

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I would have loved to have a solid farmers market to sell our garden veggies. I keep harvesting and they go bad because I just haven’t set up a better program to make it work.

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Most of my challenges are related to classroom management. Definitely need to work on setting clear expectations when going outdoors.

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I have also witnessed more students asking if we will be learning outside. I plan my lessons around outside learning now, making sure we get outside at least once a day in at least one subject. -Nicki Mann

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Students really enjoy going outside to learn. When interviewing students for our last Mosul I loved to hear that they make so many connections o things they do outside of school with their families. A lot having to do with our garden.

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A useable outdoor space is lacking which is a barrier as there is no community garden or green spaces available.

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I’m hoping I can really incorporate more of our garden activities to our lesson.  This year was more of a side activity and not so much of a class lesson.

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I’m hoping I can really incorporate more of our garden activities to our lesson.  This year was more of a side activity and not so much of a class lesson.

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I'm in! I would love to collaborate and communicate with other classrooms and schools involved with Step Outside. -Nicki Mann

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I feel very supported by my colleagues too and our parent community. There’s a dad that helps me out so much with the garden, he’s probably the only reason it hasn’t died.

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Next year, I would like to have a routine nature walk, rain or shine and incorporate a nature table in our classroom where we could showcase artifacts from our nature walk. I think that this would be a nice classroom routine that could help build curiosity. -Nicki Mann

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Doing it more often has definitely helped with my confidence. It also has really increased my trust in my students. I know now that they can stay on task and be trusted to work even if I’m not next to them.

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I feel like because in our school we have some great good settings where we can enjoys activities outdoors, but definitely the garden it is my favorite.

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I have noticed that with a little extra preparation you can take any class outside. You have to shift your perspective and be flexible with the outcomes at first. Little by little students get used to it and it becomes easier. Also you start getting comfortable and that gets transmitted in the class.

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I want to continue to expand our school garden. I submitted the Blue Watermelon application and it would be amazing if our school could collaborate with them! -Nicki Mann

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Agree 100%, every module I learn tons of new things. Thank you. 

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Agree 100%, every module I learn tons of new things. Thank you. 

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I would allow my students 20 minutes to find a spot outside and write in their journal. At the beginning not being able to see them stressed me, I would constantly walk around to make sure they were fine. Seeing how they all came back in time with their work done made me trust them.

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A risk has been to have lessons while the other kids are outside and have those distractions around us. At the beginning it was challenging but luckily the lessons were interactive that the kids had a blast.

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I’m jealous too of the schools that have access to amazing outdoor areas and an abundance of nature.

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Our school garden and courtyard seating area.

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I agree as long as the expectations are in place!

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I am super excited about the outdoor

Leaning classroom that is being built on our campus. I cannot wait to utilize this space for math, science, social studies, and ELA. Students will get so much out of this space.

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We use our school garden everyday now! I have found strategies to be in the garden more often.

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An outdoor mural or installation would be amazing! You all are giving me great ideas! -Nicki Mann

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I was reviewing the topic of themes in literature. I had a scavenger hunt planned for looking for the themes. I had when outside and taped the paper around the garden space. They had to use their clipboard and go around read the short passage and decide if it was a theme or not. I would have not even thought of doing this outside until before this class. The students were very engaged in walking around and reading the different passages. We debriefed under the Ramada.

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The lesson that was memorable my students and I was a science lesson where they had to create a model for their sunflower seedling. They had to work together and collaborate and use science tools in the field. I had several students comment that this was the best day of their lives and that they hope we do it again. They said they felt relaxed and ready to learn being outside. They felt focused and calm.

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I really love the idea of having a garden large enough and an outdoor oven!!! I can imagine my students collaborating on every stage of planting, harvesting and preparing food. - Nicki

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I wish I could take my student to famous historical sites to help them get the full picture. This would include local archeological sites as well.

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1. We have a large school garden and as the art teacher I try to rotate so that the entire school gets to go out to the garden .

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kids not having the funds to be prepared to be outside!

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Allow the students to create their own lesson plan for sustainability. Allow them to pick a student to act as the teacher. I would like to watch as they run the show. I would like them to fully facilitate the lesson outdoors.

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Participating in the Step Outside Program has increased my knowledge and teaching of environmental issues within our communities and world. I want to spread this knowledge to kids so they can start taking care of our world.

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It's helped me slow down and plan things before I get outside. Because I'm outside with my students all day everyday this has been a good refresher on what to do!

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I feel supported by my team and administrators. Most of us, including our administrators are taking this course. We all have spaces on campus to teach and explore outside!

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I've had so much fun designing and facilitating scavenger hunts that have more than one outcome or answer, if that makes sense. For example and item on the scavenger hunt might be find a plant that shows evidence of stress. Or take a picture of a cloud that you can name. The answers are often creative and lead to more learning. -Nicki

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If coupled the right way it can be an amazing tool that works with nature!

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I agree students are outside to experience the outdoors not take their technology outside although I know there is a time and place when technology needs to be utilized.

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The more I do the more I know! Even if it doesn't work out perfectly I'm always learning. I've worked through a lot of logistics this year!

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We have taken big steps at our school to make our garden useful this year. I feel that next year we will reap the fruit of our labor. The garden is tidy and usable. I can't wait to get kids out there harvesting fruit, vegetables, and herbs. 

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We have taken big steps at our school to make our garden useful this year. I feel that next year we will reap the fruit of our labor. The garden is tidy and usable. I can't wait to get kids out there harvesting fruit, vegetables, and herbs. 

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I felt very supported. Admin loved my ideas and gave me complete decision-making as well as space, materials, and encouragement!

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My knowledge level of ways to teach outdoors has increased. I am confident that I could plan a lesson but not entirely comfortable managing so much in a large area. The systems and routines are in place and practiced daily in the classroom so going outside just needs more practice before I'm comfortable with that.

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Outdoor environment/ outdoor education is a critical extension of my teaching model. It is an inherent part of our program and I love that Step Outside is giving me new and exciting ideas and ways to think about integrating the outside into my lesson planning.

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Agree!! Taking a regular lesson outside such as math will instantly raise engagement and participation. I have taken some of our daily math routines outside with chalk and the kids love it!

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I try to take my kids to the court yard since we don’t have a garden

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I’ve been able to expand my “toolbox” for education outside and increase my network of experts to connect and collaborate with through the Step Outside Project, bringing that knowledge to my students through new learning experiences enriching our interactions.

Marcia Richards

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Feedback has been positive and hopeful. All the parties involved are asking for more outdoor lessons.

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Feedback has been positive and hopeful. All the parties involved are asking for more outdoor lessons.

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In order to go outside, we have to pass through another classroom or the office, so we disrupt that class or the office, and everyone wants to know where we are going and why.

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I used to feel like outdoor education was supposed to be exactly like indoor education except outdoors. Through this program, I have come to realize that outdoor education is its own thing and should be approached as such - this has helped build my confidence in navigating outdoor activities and lessons.

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I have felt more inspired to look at my day to day lessons and see if I can take them outside. Also, student now ask me "are we going outside today"

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Yes I do a lot of outdoor things and my school is in full support and wanting the entire school to go in this direction!

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I think like anything else, the more I focus on a topic, the more opportunities and resources I find everywhere, even when not actively trying. The Step Outside modules has opened my mind to more possibilities across curriculum. The modules have definitely energized and inspired, me to rethink how I teach outside and to allow more playfulness and curiosity. -Nicki Mann

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If I can write on a whiteboard or read, we can do this outside.

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Taking my kindergarten students outside during the solar eclipse and hoping for everyone to keep their safety glasses on.

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I believe that it depends on the child as to whether technology would be a hindrance outdoors or a tool. For example, music outside is technology and children love our Friday dance parties and picnics at lunch! During a whole group lesson outside however this may be distracting. Also if a student wanted to work outside with a computer to type their essay, I would think that it would provide a relaxing, calming space to work and may optimize their output.

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Step outside has rekindled my approach to outdoor education and environmental education. As a kid I was an outdoor fanatic - this was pre screens everywhere. I learned and queried much about the natural word. It gave me a love of animals and observation. It also inspired environmental stewardship which followed me to High School where we started an Environmental Club. These outdoor experiences at a young age were pivotal for me. I hope to provide students with the ability to disconnect from technology and enjoy nature as well.

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We did solo Overnights in the Aspen trees under the stars!

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This program has given me a variety of resources and helped me think outside the box for ways that learning outside can be done on campus.

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You have to let students know what's okay and what's not okay. This includes safety rules, learning objectives, appropriate use of materials, and time frames.

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One risk I took this year was walking my 3rd grade kids from our campus over to a nearby camp and trail to meet up with our 5th/6th grade class and their teachers. This was our 2nd meet up but I always wonder how well they will do with the distance and with the activity that is set up by the older kids/teachers. There is also always a chance for slips and falls, animal encounters, feeling comfortable away from campus, and exhaustion. We end up having a great time!

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I find that setting the expectations in the class are helpful. It helps the students avoid the extra distractions around them. I also like to be consistent with our expectations. What we are doing inside continue to the outdoors and with that consistency students are able to know what is expected of them.

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I find that setting the expectations in the class are helpful. It helps the students avoid the extra distractions around them. I also like to be consistent with our expectations. What we are doing inside continue to the outdoors and with that consistency students are able to know what is expected of them.

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building a classroom culture and always debriefing! leaving space for this is a must I've found!

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Thanks so much for your thought about technology I didn't think of in that since.

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My confidence has grown so much! I never thought that I would be working other classes too! I have presented to other teachers and showed them how they can teach outside. With the help of the green team, learning out doors has been embraced.

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I felt supported by other teachers (my team), administration (my principal) and our PTO this year!

My team works together to incorporate the outdoors and remind each other to get the kids outside. We also share the responsibility of the gathering additional Blue Watermelon Ingredients for our additional classes.

My Administration is amazing! My principal is checking in with all teachers to see who and when is using the outdoor classroom. He also checking in with me to talk about the Step Outside classes!

On top of all the amazing staff, our PTO has opened grants, paid for hydroponics, seeds and asked what supplies we want in our outdoor classroom. I am so looking forward to tapping into our PTO's grants for next year to expand how we use the outdoors.

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I see that there is a time and place for technology in outdoor learning. For example, my students used their phones for data collection by taking photos and recordings of plants, animals and experiments over time. However, we used a sprinkle of technology and saved all Googling and creating for indoors, if that makes sense. I think the outdoors offers a reprieve from technology that is good for the brain and soul. - Nicki Mann

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We only have access an outdoor playground that is limited. 

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We only have access an outdoor playground that is limited. 

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The big risk was going forward with a lesson during class change, holding my students presence and attention while their brothers or sisters past by. (Tough to do with 2nd graders).

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An example of a risk I took was allowing student to observe and explore outside with magnifying glasses. I have never done this in an outdoor setting and had to trust my students ton use the science tools appropriately.

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Setting up expectations and establishing guidelines before heading outdoors.

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My students want to go outside more, my admin is happy that I am and the parents wish I could be outdoors more often. But my school is special like that. I hope some of you have similar institutions and reactions at your school.

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I fully agree. A few years ago I read a book about the different ways education is structured around the world. For instance, in Finland I read about how many early chilhood programs, Pre-k through 2nd, are fully outdoors and open ended. Even in the winter students only go in for naps. Their play, learning, and meals are outdoors. Meals take place in an area with an outdoor fireplace and students are encouraged to interact with nature in their play, inquiry, and discovery.

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Yes! I've taught outside this year more than last!

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I would love to take my students up North into the forest with an app to identify birds, plants, formations, insects, and animals. I would love to hike with them and see lakes. I would teach while exploring  and being immersed in it all. 

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I would love to take my students up North into the forest with an app to identify birds, plants, formations, insects, and animals. I would love to hike with them and see lakes. I would teach while exploring  and being immersed in it all. 

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I have used the outdoor space in the past for just gardening.. like planting, harvesting or cleaning up.. but now I feel that I can use the space more for other lessons.

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the woods! even more than the desert it can feel enclosed and cozy or scary and unknown for kids!

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We are fortunate enough to have a school garden which is a great spot for outdoor learning activities. I also love going out to the basketball courts/sidewalks and have my kinders use chalk for different lessons.

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Some students have a hard time being vulnerable and will try to go on phones or chat when not directly supervised. They are entrapped in the noise of the world and all the drama. Some try to be tough and cool, and that wall keep them from experiencing the depth of nature.

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Many teachers at my school are part of this Step Outside program. Our principal supports outdoor education and we are fortunate to have someone knowledgable about outdoor education who helps us create plans and lead activities. I would say I feel supported by every person at our school to do learning outdoors!

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I am more aware of environmental education now. I am striving to be outside more and share lessons with other educators. 

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I am more aware of environmental education now. I am striving to be outside more and share lessons with other educators. 

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No. Our outside area has been remiss this year, with little to no maintenance provided. While there are a few trees immediately outside our door, the rest of the area has been either cleared of any plant life, or left to die. I feel that if we were supported in wanting to extend our learning outside, the preservation and continued care of the outdoor environment would be of paramount imporantance.

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I will be more intentional with my lessons and bringing them outdoors. Also looking into starting a school garden.

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I would love to add an outdoor lesson every month or quarter so that we can build a more established routine. I would like to plan these ahead of time during the summer so that I commit to it and not let the rush of the school year distract me from this goal.

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I 100% agree that my confidence in teaching outdoors had grown through Step Outside. Mostly, my toolbox is larger and I have strategies as well as a bank of lessons across the curriculum. I have always loved teaching outdoors and found it easier in one aspect. I feel more skilled at it now. - Nicki Mann

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Disagree. It's a great way to mix 2 important components of education. Apps can help us survive in nature. What is poisonous and what is edible? What plant will give you a rash and which is safe to sleep and trudge on? Identification of plants, animals, etc. is a learning experience in itself. 

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Disagree. It's a great way to mix 2 important components of education. Apps can help us survive in nature. What is poisonous and what is edible? What plant will give you a rash and which is safe to sleep and trudge on? Identification of plants, animals, etc. is a learning experience in itself. 

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I agree, confidence has definitely grown and doing what right by my students has increased. They need the hands in that outdoor learning g provides.

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I am not even sure that my administrator even know that we were outside. He isn't involved much. But my support staff around the building are very helpful. I needed one of the beds fix and my maintenance man said he would do it.

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I disagree that technology diminishes the experiences in nature. I think it can enhance it. We don’t live in an area with lots of open land, wild animals, or diverse nature. But we can still go outside and go on virtual field trips to places that have these things. We can also record our nature experiences with technology. I personally have enjoyed nature through videos of pictures from others. It wouldn’t be possible without technology

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For the last three weeks, I have been testing students from K - 7th grade. This has pulled me away from my regular class schedule. It also happens to be a lovely time of year, which has been a bummer. Also my team is short one person so we are all taking on an extra caseload. A caseload we haven't seen for 3 weeks. In the future I know I need to plan my outside time well ahead so that I can be prepared.

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Yes, I feel very supported by my team and administration. We are all striving in becoming better outdoor educators.

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My grade level has already planned to use the Blue Watermelon recipe's from this year and next year to have one recipe a month for 2024-2025. Our goal is to have our PTO cover the cost of recipe's for 2 of our 3 third grade classes while our last class has applied to the program.

We have built one lesson a week on the schedule in our outdoor classroom for next school year. In addition to this, we have designed our PBL's (Project Based Learning) to use our outdoor garden and indoor hydroponics for our first quarter.

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Setting the expectations prior to going outside helped as well as speaking in a lower voice and acting as if this was sacred time and space because we were actually taking time to enjoy the outdoors, the feel of the sun on our skin, feeling the breeze blow over and lift our hair, hearning the birds and the airplanes, the traffic that sounded like waves. Breathing in and listening to ouside sounds before diving into the lesson.

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I love this idea. What a wonderful experience with so many opportunities for learning. I bet your students loved it!

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I had the high school students journal outside. I was concerned about excessive phone use or finishing the activity quickly to return to phones. I had some of that but also some good journaling time as well.

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I had the high school students journal outside. I was concerned about excessive phone use or finishing the activity quickly to return to phones. I had some of that but also some good journaling time as well.

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I disagree due to new curriculum and schedules it was a challenge to get support for outdoor learning.

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Agree. I feel more confident going outside and so do my students. 

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Agree. I feel more confident going outside and so do my students. 