Social Distancing Tips for Teachers!

Here’s a social distancing tip for your classroom…

There is a way that we can teach our students at school yet still maintain 6 feet distance apart. I am not saying it will be the easiest social distancing tip but it could work!  

In classrooms around the world, student desks are being arranged 2 meters apart.  Teachers have taken out measuring tapes and are figuring out how to arrange student desks so that students remain socially distanced while learning and maximize learning space. 

Given the incredible accomplishments that I have seen teachers make over the last few months with distance learning, it will be possible to create a classroom that is a hub for learning.  With these social distancing tips, teachers can breathe a sigh of relief…and put away those measuring tapes! 

One of the most authentic social distancing tips I can share is teaching in the outdoor classroom. 

 

What is an outdoor classroom, exactly? 

An outdoor classroom is a place where educators can bring their students outside for activities that promote physical, social, emotional, and academic development.  

It’s my best social distancing tip for teachers yet!

Learning outdoors has many health benefits and it will help your students social distance from one another. 

Ultimately, the amazing part about outdoor learning is that each and every outdoor classroom will look, feel, and sound different. 

The outdoor classroom is unique to your school and your community as well as to your natural environment.  Each school can have an outdoor classroom, regardless of its elaborateness and have elements that support student growth.  

Check out Ms. Tina’s post on The 3 Key Elements for an outdoor classroom.  She describes the elements needed in an outdoor learning space to foster a love for the outdoors while still focusing on academics – at the kindergarten level.  

 

No. Absolutely not. Not for me.

It’s understandable.  I can sense your hesitation. 

There’s not doubt about it.  There can be many fears about teaching outdoors. It would be very, very scary for many teachers because it is new and different and presents with obstacles we don’t encounter in the indoor classroom (accessibility, weather, wildlife to name a few). 

The logistics of learning to run a class outdoors might seem to be enormous.   I mean, what do you do if it rains?  How do you run going to the bathroom routines?  What do I do without a Smartboard™? What do I use as manipulatives?  How do I keep my students attention? 

The learning curve would be steep but teachers could do it.

And keep social distancing at the same time!

I am here to help you!  Just like so many teachers have improved their technological skills in distance learning, they could do the same with outdoor learning. 

While it’s not a traditional classroom, learning in an outdoor classroom has myriad benefits that impact students.   

 

Where to start while Social Distancing outdoors?

The social distancing tip – that of learning outdoors – doesn’t need to be overwhelming or extravagant.  You will learn that there are many ways to teach outdoors – right in your very own school yard. 

Through fundraising, many teachers have been able to integrate outdoor classrooms in their school community – basing the development of the classroom on the needs of the school as well as the grounds on which the classroom is build. It’s a long process.   

I am here to tell you, though, you can bring your students outdoors now. You don’t need to wait for the perfect outdoor classroom. 

Or funding to pan out. 

What most teachers don’t recognize is that approaching outdoor classroom setup is similar to traditional classroom setup.  You think about where whole group teaching and small group teaching will take place.  You consider what routines will be in place for transitions or washroom breaks. You gather the materials you need to make the lessons successful for your students. Communication with administration and parents is a must!  

 

Let’s look at the benefits.

From time to time, I send my own children outside to play.  They can spend hours and hours in our suburban yard reading, writing, hanging upside down, running, jumping, laughing, yelling, sleeping, eating, gardening, crafting, fighting, and loving.  All of that is learning.  

Think of those students who need recess.  Think of those students who love to get up and be active and receive that sensory input from somewhere.  These kids benefit from being in the great outdoors. So many of my students are very active and enjoy moving around.   

Students who spend the day outdoors sleep better and go home exhausted from a day of learning.  I mean, as a parent, I like that benefit!  It is also true that being outdoors decreases stress levels and improves memory.  

Ultimately, there is more space outdoors than there is in your indoor classroom.  Your students will have more space to do their work and complete activities.  

 

Social distancing activities to try..

Social distancing tips are on my radar these days as I think about how teaching and learning might happen when school starts up again.  

While it may be true that we need to stay apart for now, learning in an outdoor classroom may open up opportunities for some teachers and students to learn in a safe place, and experience all that nature and outdoor learning has to offer.  If you’re curious about what activity to try, why not try mindfulness in the outdoor classroom?  Click here to read all about that.  

Maybe it’s time for us as educators to think outside. 

No box (or tablet or laptop) required. 

 

Resources for the Outdoor Classroom

Social distancing is going to be an important thing to remember when we return to school this year. Going outside and learning in an outdoor space is, what I think, an authentic way to keep academic learning going strong while still staying safe.

 

 

As a teacher, I’m always looking for new ideas to try in my outdoor learning space with my third grade students (and my kiddos at home). I have a TpT Store where I share resources for your outdoor classroom. Check out my shop: Cactus Class and see what will work for your students.

Is outdoor learning something that you have tried in the past? Do you think you might like to try teaching in an outdoor classroom? Share in the comments below any social distancing tips you have in mind for when school starts up again. Two heads are better than one!