When I was a young child, I liked to go out in my backyard, especially when it was windy. I’d twirl around, arms wide, usually singing an original song (probably about the wind). In these moments, I felt magical.
At the time I thought, perhaps, I did have some magical powers like Rainbow Brite and She-Ra on Saturday morning TV. Looking back now I know it was more about feeling that powerful connection to nature.
Those who have followed my ramblings the last few years know I am a big supporter of recess. My support stems half from play and half from nature and fresh air. Years of teaching has supplied hard evidence of the calm and focus that results after even 10 minutes outside.
As I take this year of research, I am adamant that the following things need a deeper dive:
1. Walking therapy. Not just for kids who need “therapy”, but for ALL kids. Fresh air, rhythm, exercise. All of these have been proven to stimulate brain function and ease anxiety.
2. Outdoor learning. Whether it’s a group of students reading on camp chairs in the shade of a tree, or a Social Studies lesson on latitude and longitude….bring it outside. I used to think outdoor learning was just for science….now I know there’s not a whole lot that can’t be adapted and taught outdoors.
3. We all need quiet. Being outside lets us reset from screens and devices. The quiet allows us to connect with our inner mindsight (as Dan Siegel says). We need that mindsight for empathy, mental health, and problem solving.
4. Solve problems with nature. I know from my own son that taking an outing to the woods is often an antidote when we are dysregulated. Many of the tough students I’ve had in the past have struggled in classrooms, but thrived at camps and on the soccer field. When in doubt, take it out(side).
I haven’t been feeling 100% the past week (sinus not covid) and last Saturday was the worst. We were at the cabin, so I grabbed my book (ironically about nature) and sat under the sheltered porch on our new shed. The rain trickled off the overhang as I looked out on the lake, framed by changing leaves over calm waters. I took deep breaths of the cool rainy air and felt the sinus pressure leave my face.
Today as I write this I’m in my makeshift office. Surrounded by neighboring trees I’m serenaded by birds and distant train whistles. This is where I do my best writing/reading/organizing. For now, I am content… but I don’t think my laptop is going to like the snow.
*** My friend Laura introduced me to this book when I wouldn’t stop talking about outdoor classrooms. A great book for any teacher, hiker, gardener, environmentalist, birder, and fresh air enthusiast.
Teaching the Good Stuff 