Maximizing Your Public Playground: Taking Your Science Class Outdoors
Children are a tough audience to satisfy, especially when you require their attention and discipline for something highly academic like science class. You can become “the cool teacher” without compromising you lessons.
The appreciation for science rests on the application of theories. Children will become more excited when they see the text in their books at work. It would be a good idea to take them out before examinations so that lessons make better impressions on your students. Here are 3 helpful tips for you, should you decide to take your class out.
1. Make an itinerary
The public playground is a good venue for your out-of-class session. There are no entrance fees and you have free reign of your itinerary.
It is important to make an outline of your objectives in that playground session and how you plan to achieve those objectives. You’d want to consider going there in the morning when the sun isn’t so hot yet, so make sure your activities fit within that time frame.
Parents and school authorities would also want to know about the activities. Giving out copies of your itinerary would be helpful for everyone.
2. Set ground rules
It would make the school feel better if you allow parents to accompany their kids on the trip. Or, you can choose to assign at least 2 parents as chaperones for the class.
Setting ground rules before the trip for both students and parents is ideal, so that no one argues over the rules on the day itself. Arguing and keeping everyone in check will waste time.
3. Keep safety your topmost priority
Kids will be kids. Make sure that you personally check out the playground first and the surrounding woods. Jogging and walking paths covered in rubber mulch are the best as they prevent injuries and provide great traction even if the surface is wet. Make sure that the playground equipment is rust-free and that you stay clear of poisonous plants when going into the woods.
