About Schoolyards
The Schoolyards Program supports the creation and effective use of school gardens, native wildlife habitats, and outdoor classrooms in schools. We provide professional and technical support to help schools realize the full potential of teaching outside in deepening the academic and emotional learning of their students.
We work with schools, school districts, and non-profit organizations statewide. From a one-time class to a year-long outdoor learning package, our support can help increase outdoor learning at your school.
We aim to support sustainable outdoor learning programs that are truly integrated into schools, create confident leaders within school communities, and establish a strong network of educators who value quality outdoor learning experiences for their students. We do this through working intensively with New Haven public schools on outdoor learning initiatives, offering teacher workshops throughout the year, and working with partner organizations across Connecticut on supporting place-based schoolyard learning in K-12 schools.
What we offer:
Learning activities: Our Environmental Educators bring outdoor learning to your school through seasonal outdoor lessons, school-wide Outdoor Day or Family Engagement events, or via an Outdoor Learning Specialist who supports outdoor learning at your school weekly throughout the school year.
Professional development: Our educators share their expertise with your teachers through workshops at your school or at Common Ground. We can help educators use your school’s outdoor spaces toward curricular and learning goals.
Outdoor learning spaces: Vegetable gardens, outdoor play kitchens, loose parts makerspaces, pollinator gardens, places to dig, seating areas, shade, and more are all components of a great outdoor learning space. We can offer ideas, provide a design, and install or expand your outdoor learning area! We can also provide seasonal or ongoing maintenance of your outdoor leaning spaces.
Traveling Field Trips: Our Environmental Educators can bring a field trip to your school!
Get in touch to learn more about how Schoolyards can help you meet your outdoor learning goals!
Interested in expanding schoolyard learning at your school? Contact us to talk about schoolyard learning, professional development, and more.