Schoolyard-Enhanced Learning shows how the school grounds-regardless of whether your school is in an urban,
suburban, or rural setting-can become an enriching extension of the classroom. In this comprehensive handbook,
Herb Broda blends theory and practice, providing readers with practical suggestions and teacher-tested activities
for using the most powerful audio-visual tool available-the outdoors.
Emphasizing the practical, this innovative book offers teachers step-by-step guidance to help ensure success when
they take a class outside. It provides: Background that helps present the case for outdoor learning: educational
theory that supports the concept; overview of the terminology; research on the benefits related to student achievement;
alignment of outdoor learning with current teaching practices, Ideas for making the schoolyard an effective outdoor
classroom: the planning process; enhancing and maintaining the site; developing gardens and attracting wildlife;
finding community resources and funding, Advice on working with a class outdoors: garnering administrative and
parental support; considerations before going outside; making the most of your outdoor time; using GPS as an educational
tool; building on the outdoor experience back in the classroom, An array of proven activities that utilize the
schoolyard: activities related to specific subject areas; activities that teach process skills; activities that
encourage initiative and build community.
At a time when children's natural curiosity about the outdoors is eclipsed by the demands of busy schedules and
the ever-present glow of video screens, schools may be the only place where they are encouraged to interact with
nature.Schoolyard-Enhanced Learning can help teachers unlock the powerful learning experiences that exist just
beyond the classroom door.