- Uncover insights into using storytelling and picture books outdoors.
- Assess the potential of expanding vocabulary, story writing and literacy development in an outdoor environment.
- Think about the motivations, positive learning behaviours and skills that develop in an outdoor environment.
In this session in the classroom teachers stream, Dr Amanda Llyod discusses outdoor education and its possibilities.
She starts by discussing the importance of outdoor education in our current society, and says there’s never been a more important time to immerse classes in outdoor learning. Outdoor education is about exploring, discovering deeper, manipulating objects , reading maps, different sensations, teamwork, reporting in artwork and writing… it’s so much more than just “being outside.”
Outdoor learning is also 'place responsive'; by linking to place and Indigenous cultures and also by visiting those same places repeatedly, it becomes a practice deep, constructivist and experiential learning.
Next, Amanda takes a look at exploring picture books and storytelling outside, and how it can lead to vocabulary development and writing while being an enjoyable, immersive experience that is integrated into the curriculum.
Another benefit of outdoor learning is that it encourages students to love the world, so they will be more inclined to save it. “If we want children to flourish we need to give them time to connect and love the earth before we ask them to save it.” - David Sobel
She then shows us some great texts to be used in outdoor learning and for exploring outdoor spaces! Students can experience their environment, take notes, and interact with the story language as they go on. They are able to constantly repeat and embody the language.
Amanda also reminds us that sometimes reading picture books is just for enjoyment - but enjoyment never should be qualified with ‘just’.
Enjoyment changes the experience, and may change student engagement.
There are different ways to measure vocabulary development in outdoor settings. When you’re experiencing an environment, the depth of language and communication - including descriptions, nouns, and sensory observations - increases.
Storytelling is interactive, manipulative and sensory, so it appeals to different learning styles. Storytelling can come alive outdoors in story paths and walks; it doesn’t always have to happen sitting down.
Finally, Amanda takes us through an example of interactive, outdoor storytelling!
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