Posts filed under ‘Outdoor Classroom Management’
Going on a Treasure Hunt: Geo-Caching at Picnic Point
Do technology and nature belong together? After all, isn’t hiking supposed to get us away from machines and technology?
That’s what I always thought. However, after our first geo-cache outing, I believe there is a place for geo-caching in the nature curriculum for kids. It’s just a different kind of nature experience.
Here are the benefits I see of geo-caching.
1. Kids learn how to read a GPS. Even though ours were very simple, Junior models by Apisphere, the kids still had to read the screen. They had to follow the direction arrow and watch as the distance (in feet) grew smaller as they neared the cache. In the process, I do think they learned something about space and the environment. For example, when we started, we were 800 feet from the cache. Therefore, they experienced 800 feet. They also had to read the numbers, which for the smaller kids, helped with math.
2. They have to slow down. They moved so fast that they walked right past the cache the first time through. When they were within 30 feet of the cache, they had to get off the trail and poke around to find it. This was good. They had to pay attention or miss the treasure.
3. It’s exciting. Treasure hunts are just plain fun. When we found our cache, the kids were thrilled. We dumped the cache on a cloth and let them each take something. Then they added something for the next person. They really enjoyed this and took home stuff like a key, a ball, rocks, and a necklace. I think they’ll remember this outing for a long time.
Here are the drawbacks that I see:
1. Geo-caching is expensive. The junior models are $70. That isn’t too bad, but to work with kids, you need more than one . We had one unit for every two kids in our group of 11. I’ve heard of groups using one for every 6 kids, but they were older. We are fortunate that Inner City Outings purchased the units and lets us use them. You also need a computer to find the caches. You have to go to geocaching.com, to locate the caches and get information on them.
2. Planning. With smaller kids (K-5), I think it’s important to scout the trip in advance. Disappointment does nothing to motivate them. As a busy teacher, this is tough to do. Again, I am fortunate to have a volunteer do this.
3. Yes, looking at the GPS does detract from the surroundings. However, there is still plenty of time to see nature while outside or plan other outings that don’t involve technology.
The bottom line is that geo-caching is an exciting way to get kids outside. It’s fun and gives kids a purpose for hiking. If we want to get kids outside, we need to embrace ideas that excite them. Hopefully, they’ll love being outside so much that they’ll keep it up. Finding the money and time is the key.
Check out geocaching.com to learn more about this sport and the many treasures just waiting to be found.
Get an email subscription (go to home page) and receive my Bubble Activity Guide. It’s full of inexpensive activities to do with kids.
Cross Country Skiing with Kids: Final Reflection
Last Thursday, was the last of our eight week ski lessons at Blackhawk Ski Club. It was a beautiful sunny day in the 30s. Perfect. Molly, the instructor had the kids go through a series of games. They skied through hula hoops, played red light green light, and picked up candy on the trail while going downhill. They liked the candy pick-up the best.
I was very proud of these kids. After eight weeks, they were going down hills and skiing with confidence. They could snowplow, stop and start again, and not get flustered by wiping out. It was gratifying to see this.
We started with 13 kids and ended with 9. Our sole 5-year-old quit after the fourth week. Next year, perhaps we’ll not have little ones do the course. One fifth grader kept saying she was sick, but she wasn’t. I think she struggled because of her weight. Watching her, I noticed it was difficult for her get up and stay up on skis. The other fifth grader quit after her third grader sister quit. They quit for no specific reason. They just said, “I don’t want to go anymore.” This was very disappointing. There is so much to learn from sticking with something.
For example, one boy was in tears about half way through the program and wanted to quit. He cried, he pouted and he wailed. He called his Mom and begged her to let him quit. Anyone listening would have been sure this kid was being tortured. His mom didn’t yield. I’m glad. He was one happy kid on the last day. He couldn’t stop smiling even when he fell down. The next day, he came up to me as said, “Hi Miss Diane.” He face was glowing. He was so happy. I was so happy for him. He learned more than how to ski, but how to finish something he started. He learned how to persevere and reap the rewards of completion. In addition, everyone learned how play outside in really cold weather. They learned about the “other” side of town–the west side. They experienced the culture of cross-country skiing and now have access to a sport which is primarily practiced by middle to upper middle class white folks. (Of the 13 kids who started the course, 5 were African-American, 7 white and 1 mixed. I don’t know income levels). They met new people and even a blind dog named Izzy. But most of all, they learned the fun of skiing.
I saw that on Thursday. The kids didn’t care about wiping out. They loved it. They went downhill with confidence, or fell, got up and tried it again. It was a very satisfying day and one that makes teaching worth it. My hope is that they will keep skiing as adults. Time will only tell.
Next up.. hiking and biking. We have a bon fire planned on March 26th at Picnic Point. A few days later, we’ll be going to the MacKenzie Wildlife Center to learn about maple syrup harvesting.
Stay tuned.
