Every AACPS kindergarten class engages in a one-day field experience as part of their environmental literacy unit “Trees are Terrific.” Through engaging, hands-on activities, students investigate the life cycle of a tree, learn about forest ecology, discover that trees protect water quality and take action to help the environment. Supervision and instruction are provided by AACPS Environmental Literacy and Outdoor Education staff and volunteers recruited by classroom teachers. All volunteers undergo background checks. Students bring lunch to enjoy outdoors, weather permitting.

Chaperones

Chaperones escort students to their activities, rest rooms, lunch and the flagpole meeting area. Chaperones support activity leaders by encouraging student participation and by helping out as needed. Check the weather and dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Closed-toed shoes are required. Check in at school and get a badge.

Tips for Chaperones

1. Smile and introduce yourself.
2. Review expectations with each group: walk, stay together, and follow instructions.
3. Praise good behavior whenever you see it.
4. Don’t hesitate to address unsafe or inappropriate student behavior when necessary. You are in charge! Address behavior in a positive and calm way.
5. Get involved with the students and the activity. Assist the instructor.
6. Make bathroom stops between activities.
7. If necessary, take students to the Fernwood Pavilion for first aid.
8. Students should have adult supervision at all times.
9. Try to stay on schedule.
10. Turn cell phone, pager or other electronic devices to “OFF” or “VIBRATE.”
11. Help students treat the environment and facilities with care.

Activity Leaders

For adults without a teaching background, the idea of leading an activity with a group of students in the outdoors can be somewhat daunting! Relax! It’s not as difficult as you might expect. We will prepare you when you arrive early on the day of the trip. If you have time, review your lesson in advance. Check the weather and dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Closed-toed shoes are required.

1. Gather students and gain their attention.
2. Smile, introduce yourself and the lesson according to the lesson plan.
3. Get students involved! Have them measure, write on charts, etc. Give students jobs to assist with equipment clean-up, etc. (For example, “Who wants to collect the clipboards?”)
4. Use questions to keep students thinking and to promote discussion (rather than lecture). Encourage all students to participate.
5. Pace the activity in order to stay on schedule.
6. When outdoors, speak clearly and at an appropriate volume. If possible, stand with your back to the wind so that it carries your voice to students.
7. Gather students in a small group (not in a line) to speak to them. Avoid walking and teaching at the same time.
8. Stand so that the sun is not in students’ eyes. Sunglasses prevent eye contact, so do not wear them while you are speaking to the students.
9. Use sun or shade to keep students comfortable.
10. Turn cell phone, pager or other electronic devices to “OFF” or “VIBRATE.”
11. Help students treat the environment and facilities with care.
12. Have fun and show enthusiasm. It’s contagious!

Lessons

Bugs and Slugs

Feathers in the Forest

Forest Friends

Forest Fun

Tree Cycle

Tree Treasure Hunt

What to Bring

Check the weather and dress your child appropriately for outdoor activities. Apply insect repellent and sunscreen as needed before your child leaves home. Students should bring a lunch, trash-free, if possible. Closed-toed shoes are required (that means no flip-flops or Crocs!).

Directions to Downs Park

Downs Park: 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122

From Points South

1. Take MD-2 North
2. Turn right onto Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.
3. Turn right on Magothy Bridge Rd.
4. Take slight right onto MD-100 East
5. Continue straight onto MD-177 E/Mountain Rd.
6. Continue straight onto Pinehurst Rd. 
7. Turn right onto Chesapeake Bay Dr.

From Points West

1. Take MD-100 East
2. Continue straight onto MD-177 E/Mountain Rd.
3. Continue straight onto Pinehurst Rd. 
4. Turn right onto Chesapeake Bay Dr.

From Points North

1. Take 97 or 10 south to MD-100 East
2. Continue straight onto MD-177 E/Mountain Rd.
3. Continue straight onto Pinehurst Rd. 
4. Turn right onto Chesapeake Bay Dr.

At Main Gate

1. Present activity badge at gate.
2. Continue on Chesapeake Bay Drive to Fernwood Pavilion parking lot (fourth/last parking area on the right)
3. Park and walk to Fernwood Pavilion.

Call Sean (410-422-7434) for help.

Contact

Sheen Goldberg swgoldberg@aacps.org

Sean McGuinn smcguinn@aacps.org

Arlington Echo 410-222-3822