Utilizing Your Schoolyard for Health and Improving Academic Performance
Spending time outdoors has been shown to have a positive effect on health and learning, and teaching in your schoolyard is a great way to leverage those benefits. The Space to Grow professional development program is designed to help teachers and staff make optimal use of their new Space to Grow schoolyard, to support connection with nature and outdoor learning as well as support the school in meeting CPS wellness policies.
The Space to Grow partners – Healthy Schools Campaign + Openlands – invite you to participate in this 90-minute workshop that will help educators:
- Get acquainted with your new Space to Grow schoolyard and its special features, and discover fun ways it can support your teaching and learning goals.
- Become familiar with school-based strategies that connect nature, garden-based learning and outdoor play that lead to educational and health benefits.
- Learn tips and best practices for outdoor classroom management and teaching outdoors—for any subject! For example, how to maximize transition time or how to avoid conflicts between classes using the schoolyard at the same time.
- Use guidance issued by reputable sources for keeping school communities mentally and physically safe during these unprecedented times.
All participants will receive CPDUs.
August 25 Presentation
Presented to Whistler Elementary
