Spring has sprung in Arkansas, and it’s time to head Outside for 5!
Studies show that outdoor learning can help learners increase attention, be more motivated to learn, strengthen resilience, and control impulses more effectively. AEEA and partner organizations are encouraging educators and other outdoor facilitators across North America to participate in the Outside for 5 campaign this April.
- Spend at least 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week, or any meaningful amount of time learning outside with students.
- Support outdoor learning efforts in schools.
- Connect with other local educators and outdoor professionals.
Let’s embrace this beautiful time of year by participating in the Outside for 5 campaign this April. You can participate all month and especially the week of April 21-27, which has been declared Outside for Five Week in Arkansas by Governor Sanders.
After any facilitator signs-up, they’ll receive a series of emails with tips, resources, and other ways to engage with partners for the campaign. You’ll become a part of a larger community committed to outdoor learning.
Follow along here and on social media throughout the month for inspiration from Arkansas educators.
Check out the Outside for 5 website for resources and to sign the pledge to participate.
What Can Outside for 5 Look Like in Arkansas?
Explore The Natural State:
- Take a field trip to one of our 52 state parks.
- Visit an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Nature Center.
- Take a field trip, such as to the Little Rock Audubon Center, Ozark Natural Science Center, or Southern Tenant Farmers Museum.
- Search for more ideas on the Arkansas EE Resource Directory.
Keep it close to school and home:
- Explore your school grounds
- Invite a guest presenter from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission who could lead an outdoor exploration for your school or community group. Use the Arkansas EE Resource Directory to find guest speakers from other organizations.
- Participate in a citizen science project, like The Diana Project, focusing on Arkansas’s state butterfly.
- Bring watchable wildlife to your school through bird feeder stations. Wild Birds Unlimited in Fayetteville has resources for schools in northwest Arkansas.
Keep it going all year:
- Attend a Project Learning Tree professional development workshop.
- Attend a Project WET professional development workshop.
- Participate in a free online workshop through the Outdoor Learning School and Store.
- Attend a program or workshop with your family through Arkansas State Parks.
- Review the eeGuidance Roadmap for Schools for additional, long term ideas.
These are a sample of ideas to get you started. The benefits of learning in the outdoors are numerous. Step outside, destress, and explore The Natural State this spring (and all year long).
“I support outdoor learning because I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be through my work with AGFC. Nature isn’t just a backdrop it’s a classroom that sparks curiosity, hands-on learning experiences, and real world problem solving. Whether it’s exploring wildlife, understanding ecosystems, or just learning outside, students engage more deeply and develop critical thinking skills. Plus, studies have shown time outdoors improves focus, creativity, and well being. I believe in giving students the chance to connect with nature, because when they do, they don’t just learn, they grow!” Raven Harris, Assistant Chief, Education Division, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
My current interests are building out Conservation lessons and making them accessible and supporting our Becoming An Outdoor Woman Program and Adaptive Recreation. I’m working on getting our all terrain chairs in our nature centers and our recreational programs like archery adaptive for those with disabilities, assisting with the start of a student organization called “Generation Conservation” where students get to network and build skills that would help build up our workforce in and around wildlife and conservation, and I’m apart of a team that is sponsoring the Arkansas Graveler that is owned and operated by The Ozark Foundation that focuses on creating fun and enriching outdoor experiences in NW Arkansas.
Liz Hill, Education and Community Program Manager at Ozark Natural Science Center, supports outdoor learning year round through field trips, guided hikes, professional development, public workshops (including nature journaling), camps, and more!
Stephanie Jordan, Garden Coordinator at Fayetteville Public Schools, is getting students across the district Outside for 5. From Washington Elementary School 1st graders all the way to Fayetteville High School AP Environmental Science students building No Mow spaces – outdoor learning helps all students!
“At the North Little Rock Public Library, we support outdoor learning by hosting nature-focused programs that encourage curiosity and connection with the environment. From our Hope for Future Film Club to hands-on activities with kids, we inspire our community to step outside and explore. We have an amazing collection of nature books for all ages, a dedicated nature club for kids, and many EE-focused STEAM programs. Plus, our Library of Things offers resources like telescopes and magnifying glasses to help patrons engage with nature—from gazing at the stars to observing the smallest creatures up close. Through these programs and resources, we encourage lifelong exploration of the natural world.” Sydney Mullins-Britt, Community Educator at North Little Rock Public Library System
Jackie Scott, Science Teacher at Mann Arts and Science Magnet Middle School, sees the benefits of outdoor learning firsthand. “Outdoor learning is so incredibly important for all students for so many reasons. Letting all kids see and experience the outdoors in a safe and educational way helps with students’ confidence inside and out of the classroom as well as their overall mental health. I have seen a huge shift in my students as we spend time outside. They are more confident, calm and engaged. My students want to talk to the adults who come and talk to them about what they are doing outside. My students are more engaged with the material that we are learning. Whether it is 5 minutes or 50 minutes outside, that time is so incredibly valuable!”
“At Edgewater Coaching and Consulting, we support outdoor learning by empowering those who are passionate about the outdoors to lead initiatives that create more opportunities to get outside and make a difference.” Dr. Sarah Elaine Lewis, Founder and CEO, Edgewater Coaching & Consulting
Heather Pitman, Facility Manager at the Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center, has a goal to show the public how easy it is to spend time outside, whether hiking trails, fishing the creek, enjoying conservation programming, or participating in a field trip. The nature center hosts students and teachers from all over the Ozarks through field trips – a perfect way to get Arkansas youth outside!
Learning isn’t just for students, it’s for educators too! Taking your students #OutsideFor5 could be a new adventure, and we’re here to support you! Through AEEA and our network of partner organizations, there are endless opportunities to enhance your skills and explore new strategies to make outdoor learning even more impactful.
Learn more by joining AEEA’s mailing list and keeping an eye on the AEEA Community Calendar at https://arkansasee.org/community-calendar/.
Join the movement today at Outside for 5. Teachers, caregivers, conservationists – show your support of outdoor learning by clicking ‘Join the Movement’ today.