#ECEchat Archive
We chat every Tuesday night at 8:30-9:30 pm CST. All are welcome, especially EarlyEd teachers, leaders & experts. Co-founded & moderated by @techwnancy @JessicaCabeen & @VealHeidi
Tuesday April 19, 2016
Welcome to Please share your name, where you're from, what you do & your fave outdoor activiity. https://t.co/Kb5ogMPUPu
Jessica, instructional coach from Waco, TX...fave outdoor activity is hiking in Cameron Park
Hello PLN my name is Nancy. I am an AP on a bilingual early childhood school in N. TX. Looking forward to the learning tonight.
Hi friends! Heidi here, AP at a bilingual early childhood school in North Texas. Pumped for tonight’s chat! https://t.co/XRVPfQ4kk4
Remember to include the hashtag so everyone can follow along.
is in a Q/A format with Q1, Q2, etc. Mark responses w/ A1, A2, A3,...etc
Hi Jessica! Welcome to tonight.
Hi. I'm Janice. I am a gardening coach in Houston. I am garden coordinator for Farias ECC
Good evening ECE chat! Love being outdoors in the TX heat! I love running and boating!
Welcome Maria! Glad you are joining tonight ; )
Here are the questions for tonight's discussing Outdoor Learning experiences in the early years. https://t.co/UALoKxkEZ6
Hi ! I'm Kevin and Director of Innovation at a school in . Fave outdoor activity is hiking.
Reba, Thx for sharing about with your PLN
Hola! Hola! Hola! desde NYC! I am Abe, a VP in a grade 1-3 elementary school. Looking fwd to tonite's conversation!
Oh yeah!!!!! in the house! https://t.co/jI38DFcYyR
Hi. I'm Janice. I am a gardening coach in Houston. I am garden coordinator for Farias ECC
Hello, Tammy Norris, kindergarten teacher, weatherford, TX. Love walking and working in gardens.
Welcome Kevin. I love hiking too. I hope you are not completely flooded in Houston this week.
Byron, Science/Math teacher for 4-6th graders in Waco, TX. Did our first taste test of our garden on Friday... Kids loved it!
Hello I am Laura Balderas Farias ECC Houston ISD
Cody from Kansas. I teach 1st grade.
Hello my name is Belinda Nava! Science/Garden teacher . Amazing co-partner is !
hi friends! I'm Sara in Lake Tahoe, NV I love to backcountry telemark ski, run, enjoy friends outdoors!
Welcome Janice! I visited your outdoor classroom last week It was beautiful!
A1: Why? Bc learning does not happen only w/in 4 walls!
Hello PLN so happy to join today! Rizza from Philippines.. Love to run outdoors
Ahoy Susie! I love taking a jog with you from time to time too!
Hello . Bethany, K teacher in Idaho. Favorite outdoor activity is BBQing with friends.
Yayyyyy glad you could make it! https://t.co/YZYHPkbdZy
Hello my name is Belinda Nava! Science/Garden teacher . Amazing co-partner is !
Welcome Maggy! Glad you are here tonight! Can’t wait to learn with you.
Reba from Dallas - Educ Consultant w/Houghton-Mifflin-Harcourt Love chatting about outdoor play Its my California roots
Reba from Dallas - Educ Consultant w/Houghton-Mifflin-Harcourt Love chatting about outdoor play Its my California roots
A1 It is the opportunity for hands on activities with nature.
Forgot the # thanks! Our Farias garden is 1 of my favorite places.
A1 Both young & old often find inspiration when outdoors. Learning literally comes ALIVE outside!
A1. Outdoor learning supports authentic learning. Ss want/need to connect learning to where they want to be. OUTDOORS.
W/ today's global issues, climate change & healthy eating habits it's the best way to raise responsible ss! https://t.co/CYXNr0bEb5
A1: Outdoor Ed offers Ss a diff perspective, ability to exert their physical side, appeals to learners
A1 Ss are able to connect themselves to the real world. Find their place, their role, their passion.
Hola Abe! So glad you could join tonight! Going to be bueno w/ you here!
Yes we were thankfully. But had to close on Monday - much of the city shut down as well.
A1 Learning outside sparks creativity & many s's create novel learning connects when given opportunities to learn outside.
I like showing kiddos that learning happens all the time all around. Not just in a traditional classroom
A1 The outdoors are important for language and sensorial dvplt. No better classroom than outside to show color, texture, and shape
A1: The outdoors is an extension to our classrooms. The outdoors provides many opportunities that cannot be provided inside
A1 starting Ss outdoors when young sets up a lifetime of outdoor adventures, as well as appreciation/respect of ENV!
A1: Outdoor learning allows Ss to make connections to the real world. The learning becomes more meaningful to the Ss.
It develops a sense of curiosity and broadens Sa perspective about the world
So cool! Students go to eat their garden! Glad you are here tonight https://t.co/JXhQvrBd2u
Byron, Science/Math teacher for 4-6th graders in Waco, TX. Did our first taste test of our garden on Friday... Kids loved it!
Always great w the folks in I have learned lots these past months.
little late but excited for this chat!
A1 Also think it's important for We need to show children impacts of climate change, etc
A1. Being outdoors provides Ss with an opportunity to extend their learning. It makes it easy to connect learning at home.
A1: Outdoor learning is often more relevant and Ss can relate to their surroundings naturally
Deloris, principal at ECC in Sherman. Ready to learn
Speaking of outdoors… I love being at the beach, hiking, and rivers too.
Learning outside! Ss need physical play helps develop social play- pulling each other in a wagon, pushing others on a swing
A1 Ss have the opportunity to observe and explore their environment
Q1- Love hearing academic vocabulary after students come back from nature walks! Show students learning takes place everywhere!
Welcome Tammy! So glad you could join tonight.
Hi Rizza! I always love learning w/ you on
A1: Ss learn through making connections to their learning
It should be but many times it is not bc of fear, lack of vision, trust, planning,admin support etc. I can go on ...
YES!I had been teaching the 🐸 cycle but couldn't get ss to pronounce "Ranacuajo" until they went outside! https://t.co/ouQGvRsc6s
Q1- Love hearing academic vocabulary after students come back from nature walks! Show students learning takes place everywhere!
Q1 it's about helping students understand nature. Many Ss don't understand how things grow or life cycles. Outdoor ed teaches this
Hi Sara! I love all your picks on the slopes! You are a true nature lover ; )
A1 students, staff & community working together to create a nature inspired playground
Yes for sure! outdoor ed doesn't have to be formal -- playing outdoors is so important for Ss' development!
A1: Too much time indoors, need to explore outside!
A1: So many of our students don't get rich outdoor experiences with vocab, lessons, and conversations at home.
Christina from Baltimore md K teacher
It's a free app called tellagami, I learned about it from someone on here!
Q2 Outdoor learning is often too few & far between. Why is this the case? How do we increase it? https://t.co/cXoFytX63V
Some never get the chance at their own homes to learn outdoors
Hi friends. Keri from SC. Kinder teacher. Late but excited about this one. Nature and play advocate!!
A1: I noticed many schools use outdoor play as a privilege, not a part of learning. Some school had to apply for outdoor grants
Another awesome reason for Why outdoor learning is important for development. https://t.co/vFYi0iYJ56
A1 The outdoors are important for language and sensorial dvplt. No better classroom than outside to show color, texture, and shape
A1 Outdoor ed so important. I've seen students think that milk comes from a grocery store - and not an animal! :)
I've found teachers don't take the kids out because they don't want to be outside themselves. Let's put the students first
A2: Most of the time I think it's fear that it will be done wrong..most don't have prior experience so it would be taking a risk
How cool! Thanks for sharing!
So true https://t.co/91XQMSyftq
A1: The outdoors is an extension to our classrooms. The outdoors provides many opportunities that cannot be provided inside
A2: My colleagues and I have discussed an outdoor classroom set up. Materials for exploring.
A2 too much content and focus on standards. Ts shld advocate for outdoor learning to bridge the gap we ARE the key yo make it happn
A2 Design outdoor learning experiences for students into your taught curriculum.
A2: learn to let go a little and embrace the excited chaos that comes with it! be flexible. https://t.co/meWL4MH8RW
Our administrator requires 30 minutes a day of outdoor time. Important to be using time meaningfully.
A2: People automatically assume book=standard...standards can be taught in so many ways..let's get outside!
A2: I noticed many schools use outdoor play as a privilege, not a part of learning. Some school had to apply for outdoor grants
A1: So much must be learned outside. Experience=learning and it needs to happen in context. Plants? Outside. Weather? Outside!
A2 There are low expectations of learners. Children have immense potential & outdoor ed is a great way to challenge them
RT Q2 Outdoor learning is often too few & far between. Why is this the case? How do we increase it? https://t.co/CVPAFikeDI
A2 Don't wait, go outside to learn today, asap! Take a nature walk, identify sounds outside, observe the clouds, grow something…
A2 We live in a society that has shifted away from "tangible". Not necessarily a bad thing but can't be evasive about hands-on
Welcome Dana! I’m always glad to learn with you on
A2 I think also Ts get caught up in stds based instruction and can't see how to integrate the outdoors into the whole package
What better way to teach about climate/seasons/weather than to get outside and experiment it.
Our garden is such a hit! Making connections!
A2: Ts may not know how to incorporate TEKS/standards with outdoor learning.
A2-It's not the norm, Ts don't want to leave comfort zone. I take my class out once/wk. https://t.co/egwW2R6GdU
Q2 Outdoor learning is often too few & far between. Why is this the case? How do we increase it? https://t.co/cXoFytX63V
Very unfortunate, more reason to incorporate outdoor learning opportunities in our teaching.
A2 Outdoor learning doesn't need a lot of $ per say. Just take students outside - there's so much to observe in one's own backyard
A2 Ts scared that outdoors will be distraction or not directly cover standard. Curriculum should be planned with outdoors in mind
A2: Sadly I think too many Ts just won't MAKE the time for it. I LOVE LOVE our outdoor learning experiences. Engaging and real!
A2 There's also liability concerns from an administrative standpoint.
A2. Ts are unsure of how to use the outdoors. What place the outdoors has in the classroom. Also some may not see the value.
Good evening AMAZING folks... 1st Grd Tchr TX here... Happy to have made it, just here breifly then off to airport.
Then ALL our students are privileged ! https://t.co/dth74Y1KPO
A1: I noticed many schools use outdoor play as a privilege, not a part of learning. Some school had to apply for outdoor grants
Welcome Deloris! So happy to connect w/ you on I’m just down the way in McKinney ; )
A2: can be increased by going often outdoors, rather than expl in class. There is always so much to learn. Literally!
Hi friends, Spiri from PA G&T, a bit tardy to the party this evening 😊
Yes, students come in with so much to say and so many connections. https://t.co/IRHWz52ei2
Q1- Love hearing academic vocabulary after students come back from nature walks! Show students learning takes place everywhere!
I agree! Ts that are not taught properly in their pre-service courses, don't understand quality play. So they avoid it
One teacher at my school takes things outside: water table, painting easel, large foam letters for tracing, etc.
For sure! the outdoors doesn't need to be mountain climbing & river crossing -- it can be the playground or nearby park
Yep, they use play as a leverage
That is fantastic! Great way to make connections!
Q3: What are some of the advantages of outdoor learning during early childhood that have lasting effects? https://t.co/HYhlmObDMl
So true!!! We have to be intentional w/ helping to build connections to our physical world for our S's https://t.co/ZNBWypr1Hx
A2: Just be intentional like is every week - uses Twitter to connect, share, learn and grow! Its a
No $$ necessary, we can use what we have. We need to innovate inside the box.
Location of schools, a push for academics to early, teachers are not willing to experience nature w/SS https://t.co/EspPyjugvU
Q2 Outdoor learning is often too few & far between. Why is this the case? How do we increase it? https://t.co/cXoFytX63V
Making connections and adaptations through nature is the beginning of a lifelong adventure for learning https://t.co/pHsmCLrev8
So happy you joined in. I look forward to connecting w/ you. I am in McKinney.
Yes -- I agree! Pre-service instruction could really help with rigor and comfort levels
A2) Security & safety come to mind, also some schools do not have adequate outdoor areas/facility, admin always Qs why
A3. Ss own learning. They are more likely to recreate the learning in other areas. Their learning can connect to something bigger.
A3 Learning outside helps Ss understand & respect nature, the environment & the
interdependence of humans/animals/plants/lifecycles
A3: getting dirty, finding live things, sharing the space with nature
Those are awesome pictures. I bet your students love it.
A3 I think respect for nature and the earth - this is critical for 21st century challenges
A3 Children will remember that time they had an outdoor experience, as opposed to that classroom activity on outdoors.
A3: Hopefully the joy and wonder of nature will promote the outdoors as a great place to be.
A3 Creativity is sparked, language is enriched, outdoor learning supports endless connections including social emotional
So glad you are here tonight Stormy!
Interesting comment TEKS/standards w/ outdoor learning. Never thought of it that way.
A3: learning happens naturally outside. Kids are natural explorers. If we let them play and explore curiosity and wonder abounds.
One teacher in my school gets fieldtrip forms signed by parents for a weekly nature walk around the school.
A2 Teach Ss how 2 notice nature. Take a walk & have Ss explain what they see. Some Ts r afraid of nature. No fear n this activity
A3 sense of curiosity the chance to make meaningful connectiosn in their experiences
RT Q3 What are some of the advantages of outdoor learning during early childhood that have lasting effects? https://t.co/dXOd8QPpfB
A3: Ss get to increase their schema, build relationships, and discover the world around them.
A3: Echoing the aspect of relevancy and language development due to authentic student engagement https://t.co/6j1zlez7oG
Q3: What are some of the advantages of outdoor learning during early childhood that have lasting effects? https://t.co/HYhlmObDMl
SMART! I had all my field trip requests filled out on first day of school every year!
A3) Exploring hometown, using nature to inspire ideas, understanding we can learn from nature/our world not constant textbooks
A3: ECE Ss need to explore, take risks and have space...outdoors provides all of this naturally.
