Teacher Builds an Outdoor Classroom to Help Keep Students Safe During in-Person Learning

A fourth-grade teacher decided to build an outdoor classroom so kids could return to in-person learning safely.

Lindsey Earle, who teaches at Prairie Hill Waldorf School, came up with the idea to set up an outdoor learning space on the school's 14-acre property. Coronavirus is less likely to spread outdoors than indoor spaces — where it is more challenging to keep students apart, and it has less ventilation. She told GMA that she proposed the idea while discussing return-to-school plans with fellow teachers.

Outdoor learning space is social distancing compliant

The dome-shaped, 12-sided outdoor classroom has a tented roof and is large enough to accommodate 13 students at a time. It is also complete with a chalkboard and canvass chairs with custom made desktops built from outdoor signboards.

The large space allows desks to be spread far enough to meet CDC guidelines. Students are still to wear their face mask during one-on-one instructions and when they are leaving their seats.

Earle got help from her husband, Brian Earle, and their 9- and 5-year-old sons in building the classroom. Other classes also started building their outdoor classrooms with the help of volunteers, families, and students. Likewise, she and the school administration did ensure that their return-to-school plan has been reviewed by health and safety experts.

The campus is still the best place to learn

Jeanne Ring, Prairie Hill Waldorf School administrator, said the school believes that the campus is still the best place for students to learn. Thus, they decided to hold in-person classes for the 2020-21 school year.

Ring said that it became possible for the school to meet its goal of creating the learning-friendly spaces because the community came together to help with the project. She added that the faculty is committed to spending time with the students outdoors as much as possible.

Earle added that parents have given positive feedback about the project and that the children are excited to return and reconnect with the teachers and friends.

How can parents prepare their children for in-person learning?

Parents may download this in-person learning checklist from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The checklist provides tips to help parents get their children ready for in-person classes. Actionable tips include checking for signs of illness, handwashing techniques, and proper wearing of masks.

Also, to help the children cope with the changes caused by the pandemic, NASP also provided some suggestions such as:

• Be a role model so they can learn from your example;
• Be aware of how you talk to your child about COVID-19;
• Explain why there is a need for social distancing;
• Demonstrate deep breathing to help them calm their nervous system;
• Establish and maintain a daily routine so they can have a sense of control, predictability, calm, and well-being;
• Focus on the positive;
• Monitor their television viewing and social media to excessive information that may cause an increase in fear and anxiety;
• Be honest and accurate with your information;
• Keep your explanations age-appropriate; and
• Offer lots of love and affection.

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