What: To effectively utilize, share, and plan for outdoor space use, schools can create a system for signing-up or “reserving” outdoor spaces. This could be possible through a clipboard or poster in the main office or an online Google Doc or calendar.
How: First make a list of all of the outdoor spaces on the school grounds. Next, figure out what system would work best for the staff–an electronic system that can be accessed anywhere by anyone and be seen by everyone? Or a paper system that people can go to the office to check or reserve? Once this is decided, list the outdoor spaces on the sign up system for each day. Classes could sign up for a space for a range of times–as short as 15 minutes to as long as half or full day depending on the plan/goal of the planned activity. You could also have a similar system for classes to sign up for extended projects in one location, if they need something about those spaces to be held constant. For example, observing how birds use a specific area, measuring rainfall, or observing particular plants during different weather conditions are great activities that depend on some outdoor item staying relatively undisturbed over time. A school-wide system could allow classes to alert others that a long-term project is happening, and ask them not to disturb critical pieces.
When: Setting up a sign-up system at the beginning of the year and teaching staff how to use it through a staff meeting or professional development event will encourage teachers to use the spaces, remind them of the many places on the school ground they can go, as well as teach them the procedure for how to sign- up for the rest of the year.
Who: An administrative staff person or a designated staff member should take responsibility for maintaining sign-up sheets whether paper or online and update them as needed.
Materials: Google Doc, online spreadsheet or online calendar, large paper calendar or printed sign-up sheets
Why: Having a sign-up system is important for ensuring that multiple classes don’t end up outside, in the same space, at the same time. It can also serve to expand some teachers thought process on where they can take their class or how they can use the outdoor spaces at the school, therefore encouraging them to try going outside more often.
Consider: Is your school already using Google Docs? Are they tech savvy? Do they prefer pen and paper communication? Think about what your staff is most likely to use with consistency.
Barriers Addressed: Remembering to Include Nature; Scheduling; Sharing Spaces; Sufficient and Appropriate Spaces; Time/Space in Standards