Teaching Outdoors
Groundswell supports educators who want to move beyond the classroom and engage students in learning through the outdoors and their local communities. This page provides introductory resources for teachers who are just getting started teaching outdoors. Explore to learn more!
#1 - Survey site ahead of time
- Plan route and gathering spots
- Find opportunities for sun and shade
- Think about accessibility and special needs
- Locate bathrooms/drinking fountains
- Note potential noise pollution, hazards, and distractions
#2 - Prepare students for the outdoors
- Watch the weather
- Make wardrobe suggestions (jackets, boots, etc.)
- Inform parents ahead of time
- Have extra (hierarchy of needs)
#3 - Set clear expectations
- Address concerns ahead of time
- Assign roles or jobs to students
- Go over rules and/or create behavior contract
- Discuss using tools safely and how they were intended
- Define physical boundaries and/or staying within sight
#4 - Have materials ready to grab and go
- Use plastic tubs, crates, or outdoor backpacks to keep supplies organized
- Have extra materials on hand
- Stackable clipboards, field guides or other books, hand lenses, extra pencils (not pens), sharpener, sit pads
- Keep well-stocked first aid kit
#5 - Make it a routine
- Go outdoors often
- Don't use as reward and punishment
- Inform the office
#6 - Keep it simple
- Practice going outside the first time
- Short small objectives at first
- Get to know your site
#7 - Model the behavior you want to see
- Find wonder and awe in your outdoor experience
- Positive attitude even when weather or activities don't go as planned
- Do no harm
- Living things: plants, animals and insects
- Non-living things: landscape, property
#8 - Keep their attention
- Use “Circle up” or “Toes Toward Me”
- Make sure everyone can see and hear you and you can see and hear everyone
- Avoid having students face the sun or distractions
#9 - Look for opportunities
- Use teachable moments
- Investigate and get to know the location
- Let students move, stretch, and breathe
#10 - Plan for accountability
- Allow time and space to reflect
- Have students keep a journal /exit ticket
- Students can take photos (include a classmate to prevent copying internet photos)
- Leave no trace
Outdoor Classroom Management
Watch expert Groundswell educators utilizing classroom management strategies for the outdoors.
Preparing to go Outside
Keeping Their Attention - Toes Toward Me
Identifying Poison Ivy
Watch Lea Sevigny engage her students in an outdoor lesson around identifying poison ivy. Lea is a former middle school teacher is an expert in outdoor learning and place-based education.
Is this Poison Ivy?
This is Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy Vine
Other Vines (Not Poison Ivy)
Page last modified July 30, 2026