I was thinking about how the things that’ve kept me going the most over all these nearly 21 years of teaching are words. I remembered this because I got a note from one parent, who let me know their child was sad to learn that they hadn’t signed them up for summer camp again this year. Another wrote to me to find out about my camp wait list, and reminded me that I had taught their child back when I was a garden teacher. When that child heard their mother was writing to me, she remembered me immediately, in addition to a gardening technique I taught her. That was when that child was a preschooler, and I left that job in 2015. These memories we make last, and I feel so honored.

I feel so lucky to be a part of all the experiences we have at Outside School. Just yesterday, for instance, we were pulling out French Broom and picking up litter in an area that had more passersby than we’re usually accustomed. It was so cool to have so many people waving, giving us thumbs up, smiling, telling us, “Thank you,” and even looking on with great enthusiasm and curiosity when we found a freshly dead raccoon. They could see we were excited, so they were, too! I thought I should share some of the photos I took yesterday, which are a part of my normal daily documentation that I share with all the families.

*As we went further up the hill, pulling out French Broom as we went, we suddenly found ourselves with a new vantage point.*

*Outside School students prepare their gear and tools for a morning of volunteer work in the park.*

*Rancher Jim comes through with his quad and some hay, so we greated each other by saying, "Hey!" Just a few minutes later we could hear the cows up in the hills, mooing their approval at his arrival.*

*Up close and personal. Later, students prepare for a goodbye ceremony, devised by themselves, where we will each speak aloud what we were grateful for with our experiences with this dead Raccoon.*

Enrollment

Now enrolling!

-2023 - 2024 school year.

For more information, please go to www.outside.school:

Site: Outside School Front Page

Nature News

“More From the Wildcat Creek Watershed”

This is part of the “Virtual Tour” playlist I’m working on over time on YouTube. If you’d like to see more about what Outside School is like, head on over:

https://www.youtube.com/@Outside_School

We strive to be light on the land. I want to note that we do not visit the same sites within Alvarado Park more than once a week, and when we explore the hills of Wildcat Canyon, we ensure our visits to any one area are monthly at the most. And within all the places we visit, we take care of the plants, animals, and geological features. They are a part of us, and we are a part of them.

Inspiration and Resources

Teach Outside merch!

Long before Outside School began, I started Teach Outside to be a resource for those interested in more natural learning processes. There are so many internal and external factors preventing more teachers getting outdoors with kids, so I made a place to find some inspiration and to get people going! You can buy a shirt, bumper sticker, book, or even make a donation here:

Link: Buy Teach Outside Merch

”Learning through play represents the best long-term value for helping kids, regardless of background”

My friend sent along this article put out by the World Economic Forum:

Article: Learning through play…

There are a few hot button issues for those of us already doing this work, but it is a helpful article and a great stepping stone for those wanting to include more nature in their teaching. Also, the graphics are great. Take a peek!

Parenting Neurodivergent Children Workshop

Fusion Academy in Berkeley is hosting a parenting workshop, “Parenting Neurodivergent Children: Tackling Under-Discussed Obstacles & Emotions” on Tuesday, March 21, 6:00 - 7:00 at their Berkeley Campus.

Link: Parenting Neurodivergent Children Workshop

Rain Gear and More

People often ask, “What do you do when it rains?” Well, we wear rain gear and get on with it! For cold/rainy weather tips and resources, check out my Teach Outside Health and Safety page:

Link: Teach Outside Health and Safety

Take care,

Heather

Heather Taylor, EMT

Founder/Director/Teacher, Outside School (www.outside.school)

Founder, Teach Outside (www.teachoutside.org)

California Master Teacher