Exit Slip 09/14

 

I see the importance of allowing nature to teach students and see one's position in an outdoor learning environment as being a co-teacher. As stated in the article, it gives the opportunity for an empathetic relationship with living things which is sometimes missing in Mathematics. I think there are opportunities to include outdoor lessons in the Math curriculum - it gives students a chance to be connected to nature and to realize mathematical patterns and themes in nature. I think a difficulty is that it is not very efficient or convenient like being in a classroom can be. There are many things pulling students attention and there are not the same resources. I think being in a classroom sends the message to students that they are in a space of learning and associate with a place to think about Math. I think being in an outdoor classroom sends the message that we are there to reflect, engage, experience and learn from nature. Both are important in students' growth.