The Potential of Garden Classrooms to Help Schools Reopen Safely

The resources below outline the potential for outdoor classrooms to provide much-needed, extra “classroom” space; allow for social distancing between students; and provide strategic and cost-effective tools for improving academic, mental and physical wellbeing as schools reopen.

• Outdoor Spaces Are Essential Assets for School Districts’ COVID-19 Response Across the USA
• NAAEE’s Guidance for School Reopening: How Environmental Educators and Learning Outdoors Can Help!
• Outdoor Classrooms in the Age of COVID-19: Pros and Cons
• Scotland Eyes Outdoor Learning as Model for Reopening Schools
• Greenschoolyards.org/covid-learn-outside  includes a well informed webinar and additional resources related to Outdoor Spaces as Essential Assets for School Districts’ COVID-19 Response

Outdoor Classroom Infrastructure

• Green Schoolyards America – Outdoor Infrastructure Planning Strategies, Guidelines, and Cost Calculator

Garden Classroom Resources

• Starting a School Garden
• Outdoor, Garden Lessons Cross-Mapped to Common Core Math, English Language Arts, and Next Generation Science Content Standards
• Free Webinars on Garden-Based Learning
• More Resources on Garden-Based Learning

Ideas & Resources to Support School Gardens During School Closures

• View the School Garden Support Organization Network COVID Page – www.sgsonetwork.org/covid

Easy Garden and Cooking Activities To Do At Home

• View www.backpocketlearning.org – a curated list of activities from Life Lab and partners #backpocketlearning

Life Lab Program Changes in Response to COVID-19:

• 2020 Life Lab Camps Have Been Canceled – View Our Announcement
• 2020 Life Lab In-Person Workshops Have Been Canceled – Join our mailing list to learn about new, virtual training opportunities coming soon!