Creating an Outdoor Prepared Environment
“There is no description, no image in any book that is capable of replacing the sight of real trees…in a real forest. Something emanates from those trees which speaks to the soul, something no book, no museum is capable of giving.” ~Maria Montessori (1973)
In a prepared environment, the teacher, the child and the environment work together as a dynamic triad. The idea of an outdoor prepared learning environment is to enrich Montessori presentations through extension activities and learning prompts outdoors. The creation of an outdoor prepared environment supports meaningful learning that reinforces concepts learned and allows for the child to apply their knowledge base, while connecting with nature.
The Environment
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- establish boundaries to promote free exploration
- daily safety sweep
- natural materials (rocks, sticks, leaves and clouds)
- child size sit pads (waterproof)
- establish communal structure with colleagues (how to use the space)
- wagon with suggested learning materials
- nature journals
- waterproof sit-pads
- writing tools
- magnifying glasses
- two-way view finder
- binoculars
- naturalist guides (native plants, birds, animals, rocks)
- cue cards and vocabulary cards
- laminated worksheets (ex. touch scavenger hunt)
- white board markers
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The Teacher
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- observe the environment and children
- reflect
- be open-minded
- wear weather appropriate clothing
- dedicate time in schedule for outdoor learning
- establish expectations and goals (safety)
- enrich personal knowledge
- collaborate with colleagues
- use extension activities and learning prompts to get started
- share benefits of outdoor learning with colleagues, administrators and families
- send home information letter
- document learning
- guide children
The Child
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- be respectful and mindful of nature
- explore with senses
- work collaboratively
- reflect in silence
- concentrate and focus
- observe
- wear weather appropriate clothing
How to create an outdoor prepared environment
The checklists below provide ideas for how to select an outdoor learning space and the steps to take to create an outdoor prepared environment.
How to select an outdoor learning space
How to create an outdoor prepared environment
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How to create an outdoor prepared environment
How to create an outdoor prepared environment
- Teacher Spiritual Preparedness: reflect on philosophy and personal beliefs.
- Walk around your school community
- Observe where and how the children work and play outdoors in various learning spaces within walking distance to your classroom
- Choose and outdoor space within walking distance, identify and/or address:
- Potential safety hazards
- natural materials (make use of the resources available trees, rocks, leaves, green spaces, gardens, fields, and plants)
- clear boundaries
- reference checklist for selecting an outdoor learning space on the Montessori
- Prepare justification for learning outdoors: access editable forms from the Montessori Outside resources page highlighting the benefits of outdoor learning and describe how the outdoor prepared environment enhances learning to accommodate the needs of all learners, meets curriculum goals, and enriches Montessori curriculum in nature.
- Collaborate and share ideas with colleagues
- Seek approval from administrators: access editable reference sheets from the Montessori Outside resources page highlighting key speaking points
- Apply for funding grants: access information on how to apply for funding from the Montessori Outside Blog: Funding
- Physical Environment Preparation:
- establish maintenance of the area (Practical Life)
- prepare materials: access information from the Montessori Outside Blog: The Learning Wagon
- establish communal structure discuss how to use space with colleagues (how and when)
- Prepare letters and forms to be sent home to families: access editable letters and forms from the Montessori Outside resources page.
- Send home information letters to families
- Begin outdoor learning experiences. It is suggested to start with extension activities and work towards a three-hour work-period: access to extension and activities can be found on the Montessori Outside Blog pages and resources page.
- Set learning expectations with and establish safety guidelines students
- Document learning experiences (photos, tracking activities, child reflections, personal teacher reflections)
- Host a families and administrator evening for to show the value of outdoor learning and the learning experiences explored
- Continued teacher preparation: revisit montessorioutside.com for updated information, resources, professional develop opportunities and recent research