Schoolyard-Enhanced Learning: Using the Outdoors as an Instructional Tool, K-8

Broda, Herbert W.

ISBN 10: 1571107290 / ISBN 13: 9781571107299

Published by Routledge, 2007

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 1571107290-2-37186048

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Schoolyard-Enhanced Learning: Using the Outdoors as an Instructional Tool, K-8
• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1571107290
• ISBN 13: 9781571107299
• Binding: paperback
• Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 14 ounces

About this title

Synopsis

Schoolyard-Enhanced Learning: Using the Outdoors as an Instructional Tool K-8' shows how the school groundsregardless of whether your school is in an urban, suburban, or rural settingcan become an enriching extension of the classroom. In this comprehensive handbook, Herb Broda blends theory and practice, providing readers with practical suggestions and teacher-tested activities for using the most powerful audio-visual tool availablethe outdoors. Emphasizing the practical, this innovative book offers teachers step-by-step guidance to help ensure success when they take a class outside. It provides: Background that helps present the case for outdoor learning: educational theory that supports the concept; overview of the terminology; research on the benefits related to student achievement; alignment of outdoor learning with current teaching practices. Ideas for making the schoolyard an effective outdoor classroom: the planning process; enhancing and maintaining the site; developing gardens and attracting wildlife; finding community resources and funding. Advice on working with a class outdoors: garnering administrative and parental support; considerations before going out; making the most of your outdoor time; using GPS as an educational tool; building on the outdoor experience back in the classroom. An array of proven activities that utilize the schoolyard: activities related to specific subject areas; activities that teach process skills; activities that encourage initiative and build community.At a time when children' s natural curiosity about the outdoors is eclipsed by the demands of busy schedules and the ever-present glow of video screens, schools may be the only place where they are encouraged to interact with nature. Schoolyard-Enhanced Learning can help teachers unlock the powerful learning experiences that exist just beyond the classroom door.

About the Author

Herb Broda is a professor of curriculum and instruction at Ashland University in Ohio. A career-long interest in outdoor teaching instantly began after he enthusiastically accompanied his sixth grade class to a resident outdoor education camp. Herb has served as the president of the Environmental Education Council of Ohio, and combines his interest in outdoor learning with a specialization in middle grades curriculum and instruction. His idea of a perfect day is sharing nature with his family.