If you work for an organisation that cares about children, nature, education or the environment, you may want to support the Outdoor Classroom Day initiative on November 1.
This initiative started in the UK, and South Africa has now become a partner in this project.
To enable SA schools to participate in a day that fits with their term times, the South Africa campaign has two dates each year.
The next Outdoor Classroom Day takes place on November 1.
Another day will be held on May 23, next year.
Schools are encouraged to join by signing up via the website at www.outdoorclassroomday.co.za.
Activities on the day can include, but are not limited to, environmental clean-ups in the immediate vicinity of the school while also considering collecting material for recycling purposes, gardening, outdoor art or traditional play, meditation, music marches, planting a tree and picnics.
The possibilities are infinite.
When teachers take learning outdoors they have reported some powerful impacts.
Children’s behaviour improves, whole classes are excited to learn, and individuals who feel inhibited by the curriculum often thrive in an outdoor environment.
When adults think back to their own happiest memories of childhood, they frequently recall the joy of playing outdoors.
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Play is not only central to children’s enjoyment of childhood but teaches critical life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and creativity.
Building on the success of the 2017 campaign, the aim is to get as many children as possible playing and learning outside in 2018.
For some schools, this will be an opportunity to try learning outside the classroom for the first time.
For teachers who regularly take students outdoors, the day will be a celebration of what they are already doing and a chance to inspire other schools to get involved.
For everyone, Outdoor Classroom Day will act as a catalyst for more time outdoors every day.
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The Kathorus Mail would love to know what schools are going to do on the day.
Email your plans to zaidk@caxton.co.za.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Zaid Khumalo (managing editor) zaidk@caxton.co.za , kathorusmail@lokshinmedia.co.za
or Aaron Damane (journalist) aarond@caxton.co.za
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