About The Workshop

In this workshop we will compare, assess, and promote ways to improve on literacy skills in any outdoor space. The focus will be on building a nature rich environment outdoors to enhance literacy skills. We will review how the many areas of a natural playground reinforce developing literacy skills and how these sensory rich environments allow students to flourish. Effective playgrounds should strive to create balance between sensory rich, physical, dramatic, creative, and quiet areas.  Foundational activities that support literacy skills as well as focused activities such as: story telling, reading and printing activities will be introduced, trialed and discussed.  Participants will get a chance to assess their current playground and evaluate the literacy opportunities available.  We will conclude with a brainstorming and goal setting session for participants to bring ideas and strategies back to their playgrounds and classrooms.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understanding  the importance of physical foundations as part of the equation with respect to developing literacy skills.
2. Identifying  activities that promote literacy skills in the playground.
3. Learning  how to bring language arts outside by using natural materials and loose parts.
4. Transforming and Building  areas in your playground that support language development by creating both dramatic and quiet areas while promoting many social opportunities.