OSSE has compiled resources to support the establishment or enhancement of outdoor learning on school grounds for schools.
Below is a list of resources currently available. Additional resources are in development and will be posted soon. Please let us know what resources would support outdoor learning in your school by completing this survey.
How to Begin
- FAQ
- The CDC’s Operational Considerations for Schools includes moving classrooms outside if the conditions are safe and conducive to a learning environment (must consider weather conditions, pollution, wildlife, etc.), as well as having meals outside.
- Numerous benefits to students, especially in areas that have been severely impacted by the pandemic.
Planning and Designing Outdoor Spaces
- Outdoor Learning Technical Assistance for Site Assessment and Planning
- Outdoor Learning Training Series
- Designing Spaces
- Outdoor Weather and Allergies
- Examples of Materials
- Photos from District schools of various elements of outdoor learning spaces, such as outdoor classroom structures, meeting areas, seating, and more.
- Canopy (protection from weather elements)
- Seating
- Teaching Supplies and Storage
- Procurement and Funding
- Alternative Locations
- Using Public Spaces as Outdoor Classrooms
- Park Rx America identifies parks within a 0.5 or 1.0 mile radius of an address
Resources for Teachers and Educators
- Tip Sheet for Outdoor Learning
- Outdoor Learning Training Series
- Outdoor Learning Community of Practice
- Webinars
- Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education’s 5-Part Training Series: Using the Outdoors as a Classroom
- Walking Field Trips
- Distance Learning Resources for Environmental Literacy
- Division of Early Learning Nature-Based Trainings
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Any DC early childhood education teacher can register for OSSE's Professional Development Information System (PDIS), which provides numerous PD courses and reference materials designed for educators working with the District’s youngest learners (ages 0 to 8). Register here for an account. View upcoming PD sessions in the catalog here.
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| Date | Title | Registration Link |
| June 17, 2022 | Quality Interactions during Nature Walks and Outdoor Play (WEBINAR) | dcpdis.org/228108 |
| July 15, 2022 | From Garden to Classroom: Making Recipes with Kids (WEBINAR) | dcpdis.org/228109 |
| July 22, 2022 | Nature Walks to Learn about the Ecosystem (WEBINAR) | dcpdis.org/230454 |
| Aug. 12, 2022 | From Garden to Classroom: Making Recipes with Kids (WEBINAR) | dcpdis.org/228110 |
Resources for Meal Service Providers
- Outdoor Meals at School
- Serving Meals Inside (and Outside!) of Schools
- Summer Series Models of Meal Service
- Tip Sheet for Outdoor Learning: Recommendations for Outdoor Meal Service
- Guidance for School Food Authorities (SFAs) to serve meals in the 2021-22 school year.
- No Kid Hungry Equipment List for 2021-22 School Year
- Maintaining Integrity in School Meals Served Outside of the Cafeteria
Case Studies
- Anne Beers ES case study
- Briya PCS case study
- Garrison ES case study
- Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS case study
- Patterson ES featured in OSSE’s Sprout It Out monthly newsletter
- Video and case study of Whittier ES
- Field reports from the National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative’s Community of Practice for Schools and District’s Moving Learning Outside. Scroll the page to find the following DC presentations:
- Briya PCS (Meeting #33)
- OSSE (Meeting #30)
- DC Coalition for Equitable and Outdoor Education (Meeting #18)
- Webinar hosted by the DC State Board of Education’s Well-Rounded Education Committee with speakers from Cardozo EC, Friendship PCS, Horace Mann ES, and FreshFarm FoodPrints
- Teaching and Learning Outdoors webinar hosted by Out Teach (direct link to OSSE’s presentation)
- DCPS sites that ordered outdoor learning infrastructure supplies for SY21-22
Additional Information
- Join the Sprout it Out Google Group to ask a question or learn from others in the school garden and farm-to-school community by emailing a request to [email protected].
- Register here to receive "Sprout it Out": A monthly e-newsletter for District school garden, farm to child nutrition programs, and environmental literacy efforts
- OSSE’s School Garden, Environmental Literacy, and Farm to School programs
- DOEE’s RiverSmart Schools Program
- RiverTools Field Manual and Growing Strong: A Comprehensive Guide to Support All School Garden Programs in the District
- DC Coalition for Equitable Outdoor Education website
- Chesapeake Bay Program’s School Grounds for Learning resources on Bay Backpack
- Green Schoolyards America’s National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative Resource Library
- Urban Adventure Squad's Guide to Outdoor Learning
- Public Charter Schools Reopening Facilities Grant
- ESSER III-ARP Funding Strategy Guide for LEAs
- Physical Health and Safety: Outdoor learning equipment and supplies eligible under Facility and Outdoor Space Upgrades and Modifications (A2)
- Support Across Learning Environments: Outdoor learning equipment and supplies and landscaping for outdoor classrooms eligible under Facility and Outdoor Space Upgrades and Modifications (A2)
- Whole Child Supports: Supplies for alternative delivery of meal program eligible under Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Physical Health Supports (B1)