Dream of the Possibilities
Planning:
How will you link the topic or concept to the outdoor space
and place?
Framing the class
Beforehand:
Provide clear expectations – meeting time,weather and dress guidance,
materials needed [devices, notebooks, textbooks/readings]
Be flexible and allow for extra time with discussions and experiences
Provide clear learning outcomes for the class so
students understand what they
will be learning and doing
Pre-visit/pre-walk the site/route before you meet with the students
Outdoor session time:
Begin with a land acknowledgement
Warm up experience – an awareness experience to engage the senses
[i.e., grounding and mountain pose – facilitator
and students stand with their feet
shoulder width apart, hands at side and eyes
closed. Then, listen, smell, feel the
outdoors – try to be fully present and silent for 2 minutes. Remember to BREATHE.
Open eyes and take a breath in through the nose,
breathe out through the mouth –
do this 3x]
Why did we do this? See reading of the benefits of outdoor pedagogy for mental
and physical well-being: https://www.internationaljournalofwellbeing.org/index.php/ijow/article/view/449
Share the context of the learning –concepts & discussions in the
outdoor space/place and how does it connect with the course?
Pondering & Reflection
Outdoor Learning Guide
Application
“Learning with and through the body can be
joyful, relational, and deeply engaging”
(Beavington, 2021, p. 166)
What is the topic or concept you are introducing?
What pre-reading or study can students do on the
topic/concept?
Where will you go for outdoor learning?
On campus or off?
Will you meet at a specific location OR will you walk there
together as a class?
Considerations: accessibility, public or private space, distance to and from campus or classroom, preparations for
weather conditions, supplies tobring [water, sit spot mat/blanket/pillow, first aid kit, extra clothing]
For Students:
What was it like to have a class in the outdoors?
How was it compared to being indoors during
class?
What will they remember most from the class?
For the Facilitator of the class:
Same questions as above
This guide was inspired by Wellbeing.ubc.ca and
the Fostering Academic Tenacity:
Physical Activity