I’m not sure why this sticks with me, but I always remember the day my 6th grade teacher, Hoff, took school outdoors. He planted us all under a tree, opened a book, and began to read. I felt rebellious, but listened. I felt relaxed, but remained engaged. I wasn’t sitting at a desk surrounded by four walls, but I was still learning.

I have always loved being outdoors. That is why this past winter was so difficult for me because I had days where stepping outside was the last thing I wanted to do. Sometimes, it was a bit frightening. You can call me a scaredy-cat, but I will say that was the last winter I’ll be spending hiding in doors.

The weather for the past few days has been spectacular in beauty and soothing in warmth. It has been calling us outdoors and we have been obedient. Even the breezes have carried some delicate heat from the sun.

We spent most of the weekend outdoors. It was fabulous and we had already grown accustomed to the days of sunshine.

Now, the weekend was over and it was time to get back to the routine of the week which of course includes school. It started as usual, but we all knew the day was anything but. The sun pounded through our classroom window and there was nothing more to say. We all knew what to do. It was time to take it outside.

Most of our school day had already been completed indoors, but we still had a language quiz and math to cover. There were no complaints about taking a quiz or that we had a little more school to do. Mommies, you should really try this. The outdoors works wonders on their behavior.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m outdoors, I can think better. The juices just seem to flow more freely through my body. It must do the same thing for River. I guess the lip pursing also helps.

I think we’re going to have quite a few more days of school outdoors. They just seem to work harder. School seems to have more meaning in life to them. The world is changing. Great things are going to happen. You’ll see.

Maybe Lily will give up her dreams and aspirations of becoming a pickle. A pickle you ask? You have all seen the restaurant mascots standing on the sidewalk waving at you to draw you into their restaurant. I told her that could be her one day if she didn’t get her lesson done. She’s turned it on me and enjoys teasing me with it about her future. How do kids get so smart so early in life? The next time you see a pickle, you should wave because that is somebody’s child who may or may not have finished their lesson.

We all were really enjoying our new “classroom.” Distractions were minimal.

Of course we had to take a few breaks every once in a while, but we always got back to work without a hitch.

The school day was finished off with Math. We use RightStart Mathematics (love it, love it, love it).

I sent Lily away to find something that was parallel. She gave me two examples right off.

My clothesline hasn’t yet been used for its purpose. When it stops raining so much (I guess that’s now), then I am going to give it a whirl. Until then, it makes for a great parallel lines example.

She ran all over the yard finding more parallel lines.

Once you open your eyes, then you can see all sorts of things. I’m telling you, the outdoors really opens your eyes and your mind.

I thought I would try to trip her up and asked her to find something perpendicular. Found it.

Oh and if you haven’t figured it out yet, Lily is a smart-aleck. She not only found perpendicular, but she also added that she found more parallel lines too. You can’t beat that.

Do you take school outdoors or do you prefer four walls?

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