Building our outside space

Today we acted upon our idea of an outside classroom and went to investigate an outside space.  The students loved it and immediately wanted to personalize it.  They set to work clearing leaves and moving sticks to create and build personal work spaces.  I was impressed with the ease of their work. Everyone was fully involved. They discussed options of placement, use of materials, ideas for shelter and ways to build. I noticed students taking on leadership roles, giving constructive advice and helping each other create the perfect space.

We only stayed for about thirty minutes and not one was wasted - as we reflected,  the students expressed how they enjoyed the freedom of designing their space in a place of their choice.  Even though there was lots going on, they felt a calm and a quiet in their work.

It was interesting for me to notice the importance to the children of creating their own personal space, a community space was not a focus today. When I mentioned this they seemed to think whole class space was an easier task, it was the personal spaces that needed the most work.

After the first five minutes - no-one mentioned the cold, and when I suggested going back to the classroom they asked for more time outside !