Summer is a time when we think students and teachers take a break from learning.  This summer, 22 teachers from school districts as far away as Syracuse got an outdoor education by participating in Reinstein Woods’ summer teacher workshop, the Schoolyard Habitat Institute.

This two-day training highlighted techniques for using schoolyards to teach math, science and English Language Arts. The goal of the program was to make teachers comfortable taking their students outside, whether into a concrete courtyard or out along their school’s nature trail. We tried provide sparks of inspiration for how to use existing resources like a grassy area or pavement to fan the flames of learning in students.

The program included training in Project WILD, one of several curricula that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) offers through Reinstein Woods.

The program’s best result was the change in the number of teachers who plan to take their students outside in the upcoming school year: in a pre-workshop survey, only 26% of teachers said they’d take their kids outside once a month or more, but 76% responded that they would after participating in the Institute.

A thank you note from one teacher read:

“To all the Instructors at Reinstein Woods,
Thank you for running the Schoolyard Habitat Institute. It was the best workshop ever.”

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting registrations for a Schoolyard Habitat Institute happening Tuesday, July 29 to Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center in Depew. The Institute, designed for educators of students in pre-K to grade 12, will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.

During the Schoolyard Habitat Institute, teachers will learn how to effectively use their schoolyard as an outdoor classroom. Participants will learn experience hands-on activities that align with Common Core and New York State learning standards. The activities are designed to fit into existing curricula in math, English language arts, science and other subject areas.  Additionally, resources for how to enhance outdoor spaces in and around schools will be provided. 

The two-day program provides 12 hours of instruction for which in-service or continuing education credit may be available. Participants will receive written materials to enable them to transfer their new knowledge directly to their school.  A materials fee of $40 includes lunch on the second day.

A registration form can be downloaded here (pdf, 14 Kb) or you can receive one by calling Reinstein Woods at (716) 683-5959.  Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.  Teachers must register by July 9, 2014.  

Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center is located at 93 Honorine Drive in Depew, about three miles from the Walden Galleria mall.  For more information, contact Reinstein Woods at (716) 683-5959 or visit www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html.