Roles and Responsibilities

Outdoor Classroom Coordinators

The Outdoor Classroom Coordinators provide assistance to teachers and Outdoor Classroom Parents, for lessons related to the outdoor classroom.

• Property Management Coordinators oversee the physical upkeep of the outdoor classroom and garden areas, as well as coordinate the development of new features.  (Ellen Nesbitt, Julie Cashin and Sarah Summers

• Supply Coordinators assist with purchasing and managing of supplies specifically for outdoor lessons and the potting shed.   (Ellen Nesbitt, Anne Bulger and Sandy Smith)
• Curriculum Enrichment Coordinators assist in developing and delivering lessons, as well as arranging guest speakers. (Susan Curtin, Julie Ingargiola, Myra Lyne)

• Communications Coordinators assist with program scheduling, prepare and distribute all communications related to outdoor lessons and write a monthly newsletter  (Susan Curtin and April Castle)

Outdoor Classroom Parents

Outdoor Classroom Parents work with both the teachers and Outdoor Classroom Coordinators to conduct lessons outside. Roles include:

• Assist with arranging volunteers and conducting monthly outdoor classroom “specials”

• Coordinate classroom volunteers and supplies for any independent outdoor lessons that a teacher may identify. Assist teacher with lessons, as needed.

For example, a class may participate in a monthly special lesson to plant herbs.  The teacher may then have their class hunt for butterfly eggs, as part of a specific unit they are studying in class.

Monthly Outdoor Classroom Specials

This year, monthly Outdoor Classroom “specials” are being introduced. Here is how it works.

• Teachers elect to participate in monthly specials.  Currently Pre-K through 3 is participating on a regular basis.
• Each class is assigned up to a one-hour period, once a month. This is at the teacher’s discretion.
• Outdoor Curriculum Coordinators prepare lessons, based on topics of interest, identified through a teacher survey.
• Teachers and Outdoor Parents receive lessons and schedules in advance.
• Outdoor Parents arrange volunteers to assist with conducting the lessons.  A 1:6 parent/student ratio is suggested.
• Periodically, Outdoor Parents may also need to help gather supplies from the class.
• Outdoor Coordinators are available to assist in any way.

Helpful Hints

Here are some important things to remember as you prepare and conduct an outdoor lesson

• Review the lesson in advance. Being prepared is the key to a successful lesson.
• Contact the Coordinator group with any questions.
• Arrive 15 – 20 minutes before the lesson to allow enough time to prepare.  You want to be ready to begin when the students arrive.
• Ideally, there should be 1:6 parent/student ratio.
• Keep a close eye on your group and help keep them focused on the task.
• Be prepared for questions.  If you don’t know an answer, just say so.  Have the students write them down and research them back in class.
• Siblings may accompany you if necessary, but remember that you are responsible for the students’ safety, well-being and conducting a lesson.
• HAVE FUN – This shouldn’t be stressful.  Remember this is new to the students too.

Reminder

You must complete a CORI form at the school office, if you have not done so within the last three years.

Conducting an Outdoor Lesson

Here are some things to keep in mind on the day of an outdoor lesson

• Arrive 15-20 minutes early
• Sign in at the office
• If you are the first class of the day, please pick up the key to the shed and ask for the exit by the gym to be unlocked.
• Unlock the shed, wipe off the picnic benches if they are wet, roll out hose or set up any supplies that are needed.
• If you are not the first lesson, please sign in and go prepare your supplies.
• Have two parents meet the teacher and class at the exit by the gym.
• Walk the students to the picnic tables, where every lesson will begin. Have one parent lead and one follow.
• Explain to the students that they must walk quietly because other classes are in session.  They must also walk on the sidewalk and garden walkways, to be respectful of the grass and gardens.
• The lesson plans provide detailed instructions and supply lists to guide you.
• Do not hand out any supplies or tools until after directions are given.
• If a student is disruptive and cannot effectively participate in the lesson, have a parent escort him/her back to the classroom or office.
• Keep track of time so everyone has a chance to visit each station or activity.
• Leave a few minutes to clean up for the next group.  Have the students help patrol the area, wipe off tools and put them away.
• If you are the last lesson for the day, please be sure that all supplies are put away, the shed is locked and the key is returned to the office.

Thank you for volunteering your time for this exciting project!