Middle school teacher pilots outdoor learning program
Haine Middle School outdoor program
Seneca Valley is launching an exciting outdoor education pilot program at Haine Elementary/Middle Schools (HES/HMS) where Ken Cahall, HMS sixth grade science teacher, hopes students will discover that the best lessons sometimes happen outdoors.
“Outdoor education is not just science education,” explained Mr. Cahall. “All content areas can benefit from making connections to the outdoors. Beyond the tested content areas, use of the outdoors has shown to be beneficial for students dealing with ADHD and other learning challenges. Additionally, time in the outdoors is beneficial for physical and mental health.”
The initiative calls for creating multiple outdoor learning spaces at Haine, inviting student engagement, curiosity and creativity across all content areas while supporting their social, behavioral, physical and mental well-being. The program is a collaboration between Haine teachers, local organizations such as Jennings Environmental Education Center (a state park in Slippery Rock), and the Haine Parent/Teacher Organization PTO, with plans for family programming and grant funding. By building connections between school and community, on- and off-site activities will provide opportunities for hands-on learning.
“The outdoors is one of the first classrooms for children,” said Mr. Cahall. “This is where they learn to explore, ask questions, take risks and problem solve. With an increasing disconnect with nature and an increased dependency on technology and screens, children can miss out on many of the soft skill that make successful learners in all content areas.”
Long-term, the vision includes expanding outdoor education districtwide, grades K-6. Additional plans include developing unique cross-curricular experiences at various district buildings and supporting learning that enhances communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills. The initiative also includes plans for a four-season structure to enable year-round outdoor learning.
According to experts in psychology, outdoor education has numerous benefits for children. It can improve physical and mental health, boost cognitive and social-emotional skills and improve concentration and academic outcomes, as noted recently in EdSpaces.
As Cahall explains, “It is hard for students to appreciate or want to protect what they don’t understand. The hope is that with a better understanding of the world around them, the children will have a better appreciation and understanding of their place in it and the impact of their decisions. Learning to appreciate nature can also help children better appreciate and accept one another.”