8 Recommended Lesson Plan
To have a good understanding of risk and to be comfortable in the outdoors, pre-service ECEs need educational opportunities to experiment and play. Learners should be actively engaged in discovering how to safely use outdoor equipment and to conduct a risk assessment. Students can be engaged in discovery of knot tying, plant identification, and small fire safety.
Lesson Structure
Bridge In/Pre-Assessment
Large group discussion: Who enjoys spending time outdoors? Camping?
Outcomes
- Assemble outdoor equipment, such as tents, tarps, & hammocks.
- Conduct a risk assessment of an outdoor or wilderness play space.
- Adhere to local laws and bylaws related to open flames and outdoor fires.
Participatory Learning
- Have learners self select into groups. Each group will explore a different piece of equipment (hammock, hanging tarp, portable shelter, Kelly kettle).
- Have groups brainstorm about what they need to know to successfully assemble or use the equipment outdoors (knots, fire regulations, etc.).
- Challenge the group to list any potential risks they will need to assess for in the outdoor environment (poisonous plants, falling tree branches, stray dogs/animals, etc.).
- Walk to a nearby outdoor space. Guide learners to conduct a risk assessment and make note of their observations (visit the site ahead of time to preview and risk assess).
- Provide 20 minutes to have the groups successfully assemble and use their assigned piece of equipment. Invite groups to share their experience with another group. Conduct a risk assessment of each other’s equipment and the local space.
- If time allows, groups can try to assemble a different piece of equipment to build skills.
Post Assessment/Summary
Have groups share their risk assessment observations and how they were successfully able to assemble and use the equipment provided. Discuss what other considerations are needed and talk about local bylaws related to outdoor public spaces and contained fires.
Equipment Needed
Variety of tarps, ropes, carabineers, portable shelter & toilet, hammocks, Kelly kettles, flint, water jug with water, and a wagon.
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