Getting Started with Outdoor Education

At the Civic Garden Center, we believe all students should have the opportunity to get outside to learn. We want to support educators in building the skills, comfort and knowledge to provide these outdoor learning experiences—and have fun doing it!

Getting Started with Outdoor Education is a virtual training we developed for educators working with students of all ages. Its four parts outline best practices for teaching outside and the basics of gardening with students. The brief videos can be viewed as a series or individually.

1. Best Practices for Teaching Outdoors

Learn strategies to support students’ outdoor learning and feel confident implementing them.

2. Outdoor Learning Year-Round

This video provides an overview of the CGC’s 52 Weeks in the School Garden, highlighting activities from the guide to do outdoors in all four seasons.

3. Seed Starting for Teachers

Get to know the basics of seed starting with the CGC.

4. Composting for Teachers

Learn about what compost is, why it’s important and the basics of how to do it.

If you have questions or want more support with outdoor learning for students or school gardening, please reach out to our Youth Education Coordinator, Ellie Falk: youtheducation@civicgardencenter.org. You can also check out the rest of our resources for educators!