#globaledchat Archive
A weekly chat covering topics related to teaching with a global perspective. A rotating cast of guest hosts include education experts and influencers. A must-follow for all educators who would like to open their classroom to global opportunities! Hosted by @HSingmaster and sponsored by @AsiaSocietyEDU
Thursday September 8, 2016
Welcome to ! Please introduce yourself and tell us your favorite outdoor game you played as a child.
Please help me welcome our moderator tonight, from ! Follow her for the questions.
Stacy Gasteiger, 5th grade teacher. I loved Chinese jump rope. Not sure if more culturally appropriate name now. .
Hello! Catherine from Fresno CA. Future Eng T but 4 now 1 proud college S. Loved playing hide & seek with my cousins.
I am Rurik - definitely loved capture the flag at night!
As always, we will be using the Q1, A1 format for tonight. The questions are here if you want a peek: https://t.co/QmNIPWm49j
Hi Chris from England - running in the park pretending to be Robin Hood !
Hi everyone So delighted to be part of ! At school I LOVED pretending i had 1000 horses... Every playtime adventure
What is Chinese jump rope? I know Double Dutch…
Hi Sue from NJ. Great to be here. Fav outdoor game: kickball❤️
Thanks for joining us Rurik!
It's a continuous rubber cord that two kids hold around their ankles or knees. You do pattern jumping.
Hi all Cleary here from in N Ca.
Gail from Ontario Canada. I loved Hide and seek. All over the ‘hood’.
Hi Chris! Thanks for staying up late to join us! Ah, yes, stealing from the rich...
Hi everyone, Anne here for Asia Society in Seattle. My siblings and I were all into soccer, but informally, tag!
Hi, ya'll! Melissa from Atlanta. LOVED capture the flag AND tether ball!
Q1: How does your school prioritize ?
Oh me too! I loved horses! I finally got a real one when I was 16!
check out right now - talking about outdoor play & learning!
Hello! Laura Israelsen here from Richmond, Virginia!
Soccer in the cul-de-sac.
exactly - apologies for not staying up for but it is 1am in the Robin Hood county. Will catch up later.
A1: My school does not. I, however, do forest school daily. Critical to learning and self-regulating.
Juliet Robertson, author of Dirty Teaching, blogger at "I'm a teacher, get me OUTSIDE here! Fav outdoor game - skimming stones
Margo Isabel from in Northen VA Awesome topis was in our Outdoor classroom today!
A1: Very lucky to have enclosed garden, nature trail & new turtle sanctuary. Huge emphasis on outdoor classroom🌸
Tim from Colorado , where outdoor learning is a pretty big priority!
Wow. That sounds fabulous.
Welcome to Juliet! https://t.co/RNxtLBCOdt
Juliet Robertson, author of Dirty Teaching, blogger at "I'm a teacher, get me OUTSIDE here! Fav outdoor game - skimming stones
A1 Some schools take Ss out for sports or even play some tag which is a game many Ss love. As an adult, I still Tag!
But ran into ya! Please post questions
Howdy! Michelle Pearson from Broomfield, Co here tonight with y'all.
comes in so many forms : Playground, PE, creek explorations, stick homes, & gardening
Hey Tim! Great to have you on! Can you share some ways it is prioritized?
Checking in from the Ambassador School of global education in Los Angeles.
A2 Nice to see so many area city schools & partners transfer concrete school yards into valuable green comfy learning spaces.
A1. My son's school has a hiking class/activity and roam the hills.
Emphasis on overall fitness (Colorado is one of fittest states), and hands-on environmental science in mountains
A1: is part of who we are and we work with to make it happen for kiddos!
A1 Nice to see so many area city schools & partners transfer concrete school yards into valuable green comfy learning spaces.
Hi! Happy to be here for this great chat!
Forgot to introduce myself! Meredith McGovern from Louisiana! Loved playing capture the flag!
Hi Joe! Does Ambassador School prioritize outdoor learning? is it easy to get outside in the city?
A1 We do have a 4 day/3 night outdoor ed camp for 5th graders. That's exciting.
Globally, 64% of parents believe their child has less opportunities to play than they did as a child.
Connecting from Toronto airport for as long as I can; hiking, zip lining, & rafting were big parts of my growing up
Hello my friend! Glad to run into you! Day 3 of school and spent an hour outside with JK/K
Great to "see" you here tonight!
Working on 6 Science env impact project now in with teachers
I grew up in Wisconsin - I can't say the snow is my favorite learning environment :)
Tanya from a K-3 school in On, Canada. FDK began Forest Fridays & other classes followed. Strong OE leaders offering rich PD
A1 We have partnership with the YMCA structured outside games and play like at Summer Camp
Mike from MD, signing up for something other than Wish it was different. Hopefully soon.
but does it replace every day outdoors?
To clarify, I went to expeditionary schools before we called them that. The schools I taught in did nothing of the sort.
Great partnership to strengthen https://t.co/NCe3T9e78m
A1 We have partnership with the YMCA structured outside games and play like at Summer Camp
Before budget cuts my district in Denver took every 6th grader to the mountains for 3days of Outdoor Ed!
Q2. If you’re doing , what impact does it have on your students?
A1: OUr local schools partner with community gardens like and
We have two recesses a day for all the students. Unstructured play. Virtually no structured outside.
However, we are in a rural area, and many kids hunt, hike, and fish
We are part of a community of schools on the same campus. We share 24 acres.
A2: My son loves - it really makes him more curious about the environment.
A1: Also planning walking path. Gr8 for social, emotional, and physical wellness
It was the #1 thing our graduates talked about in their 6th grade graduation speeches! HUGE IMPACT!
A1 part two we have a running club on Thurs afternoon school 75 students plus.
A2 Stress level of adults & children decreases tremendously. Mine has since being on an incredible campus surrounded by nature
Ken from Western Oregon Univ. Checking in late. Looking to learn tonight. This area definitely not my strong point
Wow! What a great learning experience!
A2 It heightens powers of observation and description, both science and ELA skills. There's more to see!
believes outside is geat and hikes monthly with our students in the Rockies!
Is recess enough for kids? 3 hrs a day of unstructured play is best?
A2 Cross grade level collaboration has been amazing when doing activities outside
A2 Not outdoor learning, but can really tell difference when really bad weather keeps kids from recess for a day or more.
has outdoor science camp week I took 40 students a few years back
Despite being an urban school on 2.8 acres Ss & TS are always outside learning! The city is out outdoor classroom
A2: made me a poet. First writerly desires started on Mt Evans trek hearing my teacher recite Wm Butler Yeats
A1 Not specifically my school, but there will be a ballot measure in Oregon this fall to create Outdoor School Ed fund
I need to come down and visit! I didn't realize it was that big!
agreed! Even high schoolers are moody when the weather prevents outdoor lunch!
Many of our El schools only have 15 minutes.
what counts as bad weather? I hear v different in New York State v. Canada!
Definitely feel that, in the NYC metro area, exposure to natural places diversifies student cognitive structures!
A2: outdoor learning expands experience, helps kids frame & express wonders, makes them excited & curious about 🌎 around them
Rain (real rain, not mist) and below 19 degrees.
is now trending in USA, ranking 44
might need to specify age groups?
A2: Increases awareness of their built and natural environments- great during & ,
This is my question too - is it enough? We have 2 recesses for our elementary. But not much structured https://t.co/9WF6V5WT9N
Is recess enough for kids? 3 hrs a day of unstructured play is best?
A2 I've seen that Ss love being ACTIVE! They love running around & not just sitting there all day.After all learning can b FUN
For a global view , if you get high enough in the Rockies, you can just start to see the earth's curve. cool perspective
I echo that. Lots of stories to tell from week long camping adventures.
And that's F, not C. My teaching partner's family is in Alaska. We laugh at their temp limits compared to ours.
Frightening how that is changing so quickly in Colorado-I went to Open School and our state has such richness!
Have you all heard of the walking classroom? Take you iPod's and take a walk with your class. Recorded curriculum
CO educators are lucky! Lots of outdoor time it sounds like!
y'all would laugh at ours in Louisiana. Below 45 and no recess!
A2 As a future T, I plan on takin my Ss out once or twice a week. They need to breath and realize that learning is FUN.
So true, totally agree! https://t.co/t2lJSxpCwr
A2 Not outdoor learning, but can really tell difference when really bad weather keeps kids from recess for a day or more.
A2 I have seen creativity, curiosity and problem solving first hand at the
A study by reported 95% of children said makes lessons more enjoyable!
I teach K. All age groups need extended unstructured play. We all need to play to be creative and innovative.
we battle heat here. Heat index of 90+ means no recess either. Today? 101!
After school programs in the inner city allow for unstructured outside play
My favorite break as the maker/tech teacher is the daily jog outside the class (until snow falls)
Scotland's play strategy aim for schools is daily outdoor play in contact wi nature for all children & young people.
Wow! We were in the 90s, but we were out playing!
Hi . Joe, math & STEM coach joining in from CA.
Scottish Govt about to publish loose parts play toolkit to support schools & play & other orgs to adopt this approach outside
No recess is definitely not enough.
Our KDG get recess 1/day; K-7 get PE everyday for at least 30 min.
I created a Horticulture class for 6th to get Ss outside!
❤️❤️this idea-will def do it! https://t.co/XJ7d9OUH1t
Have you all heard of the walking classroom? Take you iPod's and take a walk with your class. Recorded curriculum
A2: My students are out doing historic survey and walking their way through learning about their neighborhood!
Hi Joe! We are talking about the benefits of on students.
A2 Our students build resiliency, independence, lean into discomfort and build leadership skills when they camp.
Glad to know you still played in the 90s.... :)
Lovin, the discussion on tonight on , outdoor play & !
Residential exp have impact when undertaken in a joined up way linking learning to school & home. However...
Q3. Playtime is important too, does your school prioritise play?
Some wonderful examples of coming from lovely folk joining in tonight :-)
Yes! Such a wonderful topic. One that may be underutilized.
The very concept of recess seems so...19th century . Need to integrate learning and play, not separate. https://t.co/Ry0eTmg4iM
No recess is definitely not enough.
Residentials need to happen in combo with daily outdoor experiences at home & school
So freaking amazing! https://t.co/YQ0PghRQXW
Scottish Govt about to publish loose parts play toolkit to support schools & play & other orgs to adopt this approach outside
A3: high school? No. Although we should. Our passing time is not long enough between classes IMO
There needs to be more time outside (free choice or organized class activities) beyond recess
In the USA there often is NO recess. A tragedy since recess may have been their only nature time for the day
A3 The school does prioritize recess. The Ts would rebel if they didn't. Otherwise, I feel like we need to sneak in play.
Don't think we have that limitation out here. We do for snow. 32 degrees and warmer.
A3: I spent time in the Rep of Georgia schools & they have 15 min every 55 min. Kids have freedom to go outside & play
In April 1st-5th Gr did collaborative Goldsworthy Art piece. Still standing. JK/K today w/sticks "I want to make 1 of those."
A3 The schools I went to sometimes gave us the opportunity. Bu I feel all schools should give OUTDOOR time! It's important
A3 I wrote my dissertation on games, . Play will always be important in my learning ecosystems.
That is AWESOME! Go Oregon!
This makes me want to cry, scream.. kids NEED nature.
YES! That is one of my favorite articles too! Made me a much more relaxed mother :)
Have just looked at outdoor play in context of Scottish curriculum - meets many health & wellbeing outcomes
What a fantastic concept. I could've taken my flipped videos outdoors.
We have recess even with snow. But kids need to stay on the blacktop.
A2 read study showing neg impacts of cutting recess/outdoor activities on academic success. Looking for it. If find will post
A3 Some schools should see that kids are better off when they are outside. It gives them a reason to come to school.
A2: Our Ss create podcasts for each other! We created as series of historic ones to run to for a marathon! ,
Yes! Ss & Ts play outside 4 big chunks of the day. Foursquare is played anywhere you can find lines on the ground!
A3 maybe not prioritize but does allow time and space to be creative and go outside weather just cooling down in LA
A3 Play is prioritized in JK/K. Active learning and outdoors in 1-5, more play is neaded.
Thus health programmes in school need to inc consideration of children's right to play
No organized activities, that is not play. Kids need to play.
A3: Was really excited to hear my son's first grade teacher talking about the importance of play!
A3: I've been exploring play-based learning & love the combo of free & guided/scaffolded play, esp for fostering creativity.
That sounds like a wonderful experience for all!
Not worksheets, pre-reading, math, and other seat work?
A3: I try to incorporate "play" in my high school history class using play dough & scavenger hunts around the school.
A3: Play so important. Just started using "buddy bench" last yr to help more kids get out there & play
True. Unstructured, student-choice time to play
Yes Tim. That is how learning happens naturally and intrinsically. Motivated learners.
wow.. where can we listen to your podcasts?
A3: we've also done sidewalk chalk timelines outside
We started a buddy bench too. Has a few growing pains.
Why don't we play more? Seriously, because we're too serious about programming learning rather than assessing it.
There is always some seat work, but no, active learning is the priority
So did I when i was a kid. But the Midwest is different than the Mid Atlantic.
Hey Kim from Raleigh, third grade. So sorry I'm late😔
A3 My junior high has recess with lunch. We try to encourage all Ss to go out and move - most do, but some hug the wall.
- what was the impact of this experience - do you have a link?
We have them too. Curious to know the growing pains.
transition in my 45 minutes from snow gear to inside takes 15 minutes :-( I want a child auto-debooter
Hopefully that's a shared message with the grade level team and school
Not to weave to much tech in but have you seen ?
Working in the school garden merges and ecology.
Some kids were going to them pretending to want a friends. Mocking them. Got strong admonishments.
Love our buddy bench too!! Wonderful idea!
Hopefully, but not sure that it is. She did talk about it in front of the principal though - so thats something!
Yes, hopefully that will be the spark of systematic & systemic change
Can I steal this idea for a class? Not sure I can get away w/ it for my ECON class.
I read that. It looked great.
Loose Parts in our film w/ Adventure Playground loose parts and NATURE -the ultimate loose parts provider!
A3: I work in a high school in Australia. Our day is 2hrs classes 1/2hour recess 2 hr classes 1/2 hr lunch 1hr class home.
Sending a big hello and lots of hugs to my friends at ! Meeting every week & sharing about the power of !
When this mindset shifts to student-centered learning not test centered we will have ACED this & WON. https://t.co/6rplhrRmqD
Why don't we play more? Seriously, because we're too serious about programming learning rather than assessing it.
Q4. What stops teachers taking lessons outdoors? Time? Culture? Risk?
trying to go between the 2 chats tonight! ;)
A4 School culture big thing. Also, to take Ss off campus, we need a nurse, so school is discouraging walking trips.
To be clear, didn't mean "assessment" as "testing" but as formative assessment for growth
Wonder if we can get T organized, funded, and run school to do this?
Q4 - I always wonder how pervasive fear of "not okay/safe" is outside my school? We just do crazy stuff.
A4 Encouragement/support of admin? We took 1/2 day of planning week 2 go on nature walk & learn to observe & question Amazing!
A4. The boundaries expand.
fantastic! What's the impact? Affect on bullying/accidents/readiness to learn?
A4-I think not knowing how to utilize the time & feeling pressure to prepare Ss for standardized testing.
A4 I think bc Ts feel that Ss will not stay focused. That they will start running around like crazy. Waste of time & it's not
5 hour day instead of a 6.5 hour day? :)
You have to have a nurse? Is this standard practice now? I hadn't heard of it. https://t.co/5ipMrnVQAP
A4 School culture big thing. Also, to take Ss off campus, we need a nurse, so school is discouraging walking trips.
The child need free play time. Play is learning but not all of it needs to be adult structured play learning
Well...testing... pacing plans..appropriate facilities and equipment no excuse really especially in SO. Cal
A4 state/district emphasis on standardized testing leading to perceptions that there's lack of time. Also, lack of resources
I will absolutely take a look and appreciate your insights!
A4 All of the above! We have learning spaces outside & rotating schedule can't wait to take learning outside when it's cooler
Totally on the same page - and guessed that was what you meant . Authentic assessment is meaningful https://t.co/oVajsYhsBl
To be clear, didn't mean "assessment" as "testing" but as formative assessment for growth
A4 We are one of only a couple schools left in our area sending Ss to Outdoor Ed camp. It's a great week.
Yes. The 24 hour global news cycle is not healthy
Wouldn't that be amazing ! https://t.co/wNk3sl31n2
Wonder if we can get T organized, funded, and run school to do this?
Q4 definitely school culture/parent culture...we did survey & community responded time & weather were biggest factors
Very pleased that Scottish Govt supports play
Many T’s feel they’ve lost control outdoors, rather than embracing the beautiful learning that happens. Enquiry=learning.
Culture, fear, we've always done it ...., testing,
Important to set expectations for outside learning. If Ss are engaged they won't be running around!
If any Ss has a medical condition (and almost every class has a least one) need nurse. Can be very limiting.
You star - thanks for the link
A4 https://t.co/pzZG10fPVT
Many T’s feel they’ve lost control outdoors, rather than embracing the beautiful learning that happens. Enquiry=learning.
A4 needed to complete assessments relates to org
I just keep thinking about Finland... It is always worth the time to play and even improves those damned scores...
Q5. How can we support teachers globally to make outdoor learning & play part of the school day?
What if every school had an internal outdoor garden learning space?
Culture is key. Went from a school w/many boundaries/outside rules, to one with few. Noticeable difference!
A4 This is a hard one for me to answer...Ss don;t spend enough time outside when they are home. It HAS TO happen at school!
Hi ! Adrian from Bozeman, MT. Just got home and am lurking in the shadows :)
If Ss are engaged with their learning and the activity no need to worry about being outside!
A4 Like many of our decisions now, I think we stay inside due to fear. "What ifs" rule. Also, it looks like playtime to some.
Your school had actual safety concerns in Monterrey MX--that's different than paranoia about kids getting hurt
A5 provide outdoor ed PD, resources, lesson/activity ideas!
But everyone quotes about Finland all the time, but nothing seems to change toward their model.
curious if you relate to this observation of mine
A5: Sharing the research with administrators to help support an culture for one.
If we trust them & train them when they're young. They'll get it so will older Ss. They're not focused inside
This is what society has come to. It's criminal to not have kids outside!
Have to turn off phone for the flight--no more play for me tonight!
A4 What stops teachers from taking lessons outdoors? In my experience it's 90% mindset - where there's a will there's a way
Hi Adrian! You must have some good opps in MT??
Jump in! Anyone near Glacier NP has wonderful insights to share.
Yeah, disappointing I know. As is the continued belief the scores actually mean anything anyhow!
Very cool idea!! Something about being outside, always feel better in the fresh air! Love a change of scenery
Agreed Didn't mean to imply adult structures necessary for integration. https://t.co/0fDW45FdCF
The child need free play time. Play is learning but not all of it needs to be adult structured play learning
A5 share/dare our global connections to get out and play. Make it go viral.
Yes, it’s about giving S’s autonomy, and trust. Kids are capable and competent.
Not only is the news unhealthy, but it is inaccurate. 🌍 getting better in so many ways, but few know it.
YES!! So many excuses that are hurting our children!
A4 It's not about "ok kids let's go outside" it's about " I expect you to learn and be on your best behavior". Set them!
2 years ago, college daughter in DC had job in winter taking kids outside to play. Couldn't believe parents paid her for that.
Belief + Motivation = Change so we need to give teachers everywhere both. It's keeping me busy :)
Agree! Ask them to join you outside!! Co-teach! Take a risk!!
A5 difficult as local knowledge is needed relating to
Yes! Give kids an audience to share what they are learning globally! https://t.co/O2HsvWigIg
A5 share/dare our global connections to get out and play. Make it go viral.
True! We have kids do ski trips to Bridger, week trips to Yellowstone, & hike and x-country ski trips around BZN!
So sad. Rain is the best. What great opportunities to explore and connect to nature.
A5 With regard to I think question is how can we (USAmericans) learn globally from others
Yes, I need it for context because I don't remember tweeting anything. I wonder if it was from a previous ?
Will never forget 1st snowfall when I was new at school. Students parading in with bags full of snow gear for recess. Amazed!
Thanks for you contribution & lovely to meet you
Yes! Right on point! https://t.co/QrzvEvnsTs
A4 It's not about "ok kids let's go outside" it's about " I expect you to learn and be on your best behavior". Set them!
A5 relates to assistance in completing risk assessments
I shared this resource with our new School Garden Assoc, who shared it with dozens! Great info!
Q5 make the learning visible. talk it up. engage parents/community & they will help advocate. Establish mentors w/in schools.
So MUCH to learn from other countries and cultures! https://t.co/EcFqzcAj7d
A5 With regard to I think question is how can we (USAmericans) learn globally from others
Taking 15 steps outside to the school grounds is a good step in the right direction :)
Like the notion of playing outside with a class somewhere else in the world. (Someplace warm sees snow & vice versa)
T's can be introduced to the concept of "Guide on the Side" vs " Sage on the Stage" when outdoors.
A5 We can learn to play outdoors not only from other countries, but other "First" Nations. Indigenous PlaceBL rocks!
Yes, but kids have their own ideas they are creative!
Yup, and our 6 hour days would just be shorter. :)
Or as says, “Be a hummingbird not a helicopter.”
Could we do this virtually? With the right kind of projetor/camera setup? Have a wall that has both?
use local facilities e.g. orienteering courses at local parks
Some fantastic practice from US too! showcase lots
Playing outside is so normal in Australia, I never realised it was an issue in other countries. Kids have to wear hats to play
A5 B open minded to what is, not solely having "class outside" but looking at it as a natural learning lab
I love the Australian school uniform hats. Very adorable on little kids.
Virtual ! I like it! https://t.co/LgcDq9lJLF
Could we do this virtually? With the right kind of projetor/camera setup? Have a wall that has both?
A5 This is why so important - Celebrating what is FANTASTIC, inspiring every day outdoor learning & play
great point! IMO Ts truly work 10-12 hour days & many continue PD during "vacation"
A5) I love speed walking with my classes to the nearest green space. They sit on grass & statues & we just talk.
or just have some lessons in the playground
that is pretty immersive. Maybe a head cam & be goggles.
Q6. Do you have any tips/resources to share with teachers across the world for taking learning outdoors?
Recently was taught to approach as we do not own the land, it provides for us and we need to value the relationship
That is exactly what we show in NaturePlay film on a tour of the Nordic. We don't need to reinvent the wheel.
Tragic. I taught in Liberia until Civil War destroyed country. I can empathize.
When I was there visiting a school was amazed that Ss played & Ts went inside for tea!Same thing happened in SAfrica
A6: In the US the National Park Service provides free educational materials for outdoor learning. https://t.co/HRxi8FIboK
Ooh I like it! VR goggles or Popup view + head cam
SciStarter has a list of global collaborative outdoor projects to do with classes in other countries: https://t.co/fWmklY1GjP
A6 -- Find out what your students do already , then build on their assets/experience. https://t.co/STKciW7Gs3
Q6. Do you have any tips/resources to share with teachers across the world for taking learning outdoors?
A6 QR codes and scavenger hunts would be cool.
freedom to just be so important
Play around the globe - live.
A6 find out your local facilities - this will keep costs down - can you use public transport
We hope every signs up for October 6th. https://t.co/7QcKuS0AEk
A5 This is why so important - Celebrating what is FANTASTIC, inspiring every day outdoor learning & play
Gotta run . Borscht is ready!
A6 I keep imagining my Ss bringing some of the animals they hunt into school. Don't think that would end well.
A6 C0-ran Geo Ed &outdoor Ed institute this summer. Will soon have outdoor Ed K-12 LPs& activities on https://t.co/4Kdk2WD1J2
A6 I also encourage my 4-H kids by going to the fairs to watch them show their animals. At least they're outside at home.
A6 Try it! Talk to others who have and start small if needed! Ask the Ss what they would want to do if learning was outside!
Whatever. It would certainly provide enough material for week of discussion prompts.
A6) With gr 11-12, don't get caught up on permission slips. You don't have time, and they need to feel the freedom/respect.
Could that be a learning opportunity in the making?! ;-)
Help me thank for being a fantastic moderator tonight! She's in England where I think its 2am!
Still think I'll stick with photos. :)
So many great ideas 2nite! Thank you everyone😄
Thanks for moderating tonight, ! Now get some rest! https://t.co/IJDiAruuWQ
Help me thank for being a fantastic moderator tonight! She's in England where I think its 2am!
Hey - has some great ideas to add to our discussion tonight !
