This week (19/03/18 – 23/03/18) was designated to staff training and orientation. In doing this, the staff understand what is expected of them, and what the expectations of the Outdoor School are for the season ahead (SPR 1.4). We went over various behaviour management strategies and how to ensure we are safe when participating in outdoor lessons, games or challenges (SPR 3.2). The classroom teachers are mainly responsible for the children’s’ behaviour and safety however, although we must ensure that we report any incidents to the teacher. We also spent to week preparing the camp for visiting schools by cleaning and setting up equipment, as well as learning about the lessons which we will be teaching, engaging in team work challenges and caring for the animals on camp.

We started the week by setting up the camp, preparing the games and challenges and caring for the animals. Karyn, the Camp Director, took the time to explain the importance and relevance of the group challenges to us. She explained that many of the children which visit, lack competence in the social skills needed to work as part of the team. These challenges, which are carried out on the first day of the school trips, allow children to improve their team work skills, as well as develop others such as leadership, communication and self-confidence.

Moreover, much of staff training this week was designated to team building, communication and cooperating activities. For example, on Wednesday, the staff spent the day engaging in team building games to help us work well with each other, but also to learn some games we can use within and out with the classroom with the children. Some of the activities were simple and involved minimal equipment, which can therefore be easily used in the classroom when back home. Other activities however, were a little more complex. Some were more physically demanding, and others were more mentally demanding.

For example, one activity which I really enjoyed, and really got us working as part of a team was one where, as a group, we had to make our way from one side of the hall to the other, without touching the floor (see image attached). It was not as simple as this however, as there were obstacles in the way, and moving 7 people in one big sheet of tarpaulin was difficult! We did manage it however, as we allowed everyone to share their opinion and at one point, we stopped and re-analysed the situation. This was a great activity to develop team building skills, which could be adapted and used either here at Outdoor School, or at school.

There was meant to be two schools visiting for Day Trips on Thursday and Friday of this week. However, due to the snow storm, they had to cancel.

Therefore, instead we used the time to visit the Environmental Centre and look at the lessons boxes. Some of the lessons taught at the Outdoor School include; soil factories, insects, succession, bats, maps, weather predicting, native American, orienteering and trees. Each lesson box comes with a list of teaching points and teachable moments, and hands on activities which can be used alongside them (SPR 2.1). Karyn therefore went over some of the lesson boxes so we knew what was being taught, and how to carry out some of the lessons and activities (SPR 3.1). Karyn also sent us the Activity Manual so that I have an electronic copy of all the lessons to bring back to Scotland with me .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furthermore, we also learnt about the animals which we care for at the Outdoor School; goats, donkeys, chicken, turtles, snakes, frogs and a chinchilla. The animals are one of the most popular attractions of the camp, it is therefore essential that I familiarise myself with them and that I can clean and take care of them, as this is one of my responsibilities as a TN (Teacher Naturalist).

Overall, this week has been extremely valuable for me, as it has allowed me to build relationships with my fellow TN’s and staff (SPR 1.2). As stated by Hayes (2009), one aspect of professionalism is being able to work as a team with colleagues and share development and effective practice with one another. Therefore, treating other members of staff with respect allows for relationships to be built which is crucial for effective and successful working together. Additionally, this week has allowed me to understand some of the lessons which I will be teaching, and different activities, games and challenges which I will be engaging with. Furthermore, during this week I have also understood what is expected of me throughout my time here, the behaviour management strategies which are used and the health and safety regulations at Outdoor School, which are all key to make my placement successful and beneficial (SPR 1.2).

References

Hayes, D. (2009). Learning and Teaching in Primary Schools. 1st ed. Exeter: Learning Matters, pp.142-152.