Educator Workshops

Getting Started with Outdoor Learning

1 Day Workshop

This is for educators who…

  • Have never taught students outside

  • Who have limited experience with teaching outside

  • Have started teaching outdoors but want to learn more

  • Are comfortable teaching outside, but want to pick up some new short, structured, outdoor learning activities

  • Would like to learn how to support people who are new to outdoor learning

Participants will…

  • Explore and discuss the benefits of outdoor learning

  • Learn essential classroom management strategies for teaching outdoors

  • Learn a baker’s dozen of short, structured lessons 

  • Learn the tools and habits of mind for successful outdoor teaching

  • Plan an outdoor lesson to lead right away with a teammate

Get Going with Outdoor Learning

2 Day Workshop

This workshop begins with the “Getting Started with Outdoor Learning” workshop. (see above)  

Day two is for teachers who…

  • want to strengthen and build their outdoor practice

  • lead outdoor learning experiences that are off-campus

  • connect with community resources

  • participate in longer, project-based outdoor learning experiences

Participants will:

  • Align self-selected outdoor learning activities to the Maine Learning Results

  • Create a list of people, places, and organizations from their communities that could be resources for outdoor education.

  • Learn the seven principles of Leave No Trace and participate in foundational LNT activities.

  • Learn about the Maine Audubon’s Stream Explorers program and if possible, participate as students in the activity, collecting and identifying macroinvertebrates from a local stream. 

  • Learn the logistics of planning extended outdoor experiences off campus including following Maine laws for access to private and public lands. 

  • Use the Outdoor Learning Planning Template to draft a plan for an extended outdoor learning experience.

Pricing:

1-Day Workshop: $350 (for up to 12 teachers)

2-Day Workshop: $700 (for up to 12 teachers)

Student Sessions: $350 per 6-hour school day (multiple sessions)

All materials are included. A mileage fee (60 cents per mile) will be added for some locations.

Educator workshops can be combined with student sessions or an extended residency to meet all your outdoor teaching and learning objectives.