Outdoor Classroom Steps 1-4

If you are just getting started…follow the steps below and click on the links for more resources and details.
 Step 1: COLLECT INFORMATION
Before you begin the development of your outdoor classroom, take the time to collect information about how to develop an outdoor classroom site through the Alabama Outdoor Classroom (AOC) Program. Then share this information with your faculty and staff so that everyone understands the benefits of using an outdoor classroom as an educational tool and the commitment required to sustain the outdoor classroom from year to year.  This will increase the ownership and participation of the faculty throughout the life of your outdoor classroom.  Below are some suggestions on how to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions   |   Free OC Planning Guide 

 Step 2: INFORM & INVOLVE KEY PEOPLE
Once you have collected the appropriate information, it is now time to inform and involve key people to garner as much support for the outdoor classroom as you can. You should discuss your ideas with everyone at the beginning of the project before you break ground to gauge the interest and feasibility of the project and to make sure that everyone feels included.
Introduction to the OC Program (PDF)  |   *Free OC Faculty Survey  
*Free OC Faculty Survey for Established OC Schools   |   OC Faculty Survey for Established OC Schools (Word Doc)
*Note:  Contact the AWF to set up a free online faculty survey to help you determine your faculty’s level of interest, compile a list of outdoor learning stations they would like to use for hands-on activities, and address any concerns they may have.

 Step 3: ENROLL IN THE AOC PROGRAM
A school can enroll in the Alabama Outdoor Classroom (AOC) program at any time during their outdoor classroom development, but we encourage schools to enroll as soon as you have administrative approval so that your school can enjoy all of the AOC program benefits. Contact us to begin enrollment process.
*OC Schools & Partners Map   |   OC eNewsletter
*Note:  After you have enrolled, contact the AWF to add your school to our OC Schools & Partners Map.

 Step 4: ORGANIZE YOUR PLANNING COMMITTEE
After you have informed key people about your outdoor classroom plans and you have submitted your Alabama Outdoor Classroom (AOC) Enrollment Part I, you need to organize your planning committee. An outdoor classroom cannot be effectively sustained or used as an educational tool if only one or two teachers try to maintain it and use it by themselves.
Planning Committee Checklist (PDF | Word Doc)  |   Community Organizations & Resources List (PDF | Word Doc)
After you have formed your planning committee, be sure to have your planning committee members sign up for our monthly OC eNewsletter.   

To move on to Step 5, CLICK HERE!

Questions?  Contact April Waltz, Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program Coordinator, at 256.882.9183 or aprilwaltz@alabamawildlife.org. 
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