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Teachers Outdoors: Letting the Good Times Roll

by Margie Carter
May/June 1993
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Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/teachers-outdoors-letting-the-good-times-roll/5009153/

During the problem-solving portion of our recent child care directors' meeting, an experienced director asked, "Give me your best ideas for getting teachers to focus on the kids and not on each other when they're out on the playground." There were sighs and nods of understanding around the room. Many offered suggestions that amounted to rules: assign each one to an outdoor station; rotate particular duties and roles for the playground; require the playground to be included in curriculum planning.

I was most impressed by the suggestion to ensure that teachers get ample break time during their work day, with a pleasant, comfortably furnished staff room, arranged to provide for adult socializing, relaxing, and munching needs.

Rather than more regulations, teachers need help in identifying the barriers that prevent them from enjoying outdoor time with children. This, along with discovering something they really like to do outside, could become the cornerstone of an effective training plan for teacher outdoor behaviors.

Strategy - Examine our own experience

Ask teachers to recall one of the worst and one of the best outdoor experiences they had as a child. As they share their stories, jot down the essence of each on chart paper ...

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