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Outdoor Ed

More Green Time, Less Screen Time

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West Ottawa Public Schools

Superintendent - Tim Bearden

Principal – Scott Follett

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WHY OUTDOOR ED –SCREEN TIME VS GREEN TIME

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SCREEN TIME �IN 2023, THE AVERAGE AMERICAN CHILD SPENT NEARLY 7 HOURS PER DAY ENGAGING WITH SCREENS (ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS)

Screen Time:

  • Physical Health Issues: Increased screen time is linked to sedentary lifestyles, leading to obesity and poor posture.
  • Mental Health Struggles: Studies have shown that excessive screen time can contribute to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
  • Cognitive Development: Extended screen time may affect a child’s attention span and hinder their ability to concentrate on tasks that require sustained effort.

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https://www.mobicip.com/blog/screen-time-vs-green-time-balancing-digital-and-outdoor-activities

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GREEN TIME

  • Cognitive – Stronger focus & retention
  • Social-Emotional – reduced stress, better collaboration
  • Improved problem solving skills
  • Environmental Literacy – stewardship and connection to place

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DISTRICT WIDE COMMITMENT

  • Strategic Plan/Redistricting
  • Outdoor learning spaces at all elementary schools
  • District wide “Discovery” special
  • 3 schools with outdoor learning focus

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OUTDOOR LEARNING SPACES

Total�Cost

$3.1 M

  • All elementary spaces are will be complete very soon
  • Log benches, sand boxes, outdoor boards, storage, structures, bathrooms and more!�

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August �2025

Completion

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OUR JOURNEY

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ODC NETWORK PARTNERSHIP – AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

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LAKESHORE ELEMENTARY – THREE YEAR PLAN

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THREE YEAR PLAN: Grades 1-5

    • Build Routines
    • Teachers spend 1-2 hours per week minimum outdoors with class – emphasis on short lessons and exploratory lessons

Year One- Introduction Phase

    • Regular part of instruction
    • 2-3 hours per week outdoors across variety of subjects
    • Teachers blend interdisciplinary lessons with outdoor context

Year Two – Integration Phase

    • Seamlessly embedded, 4-5 hours per week outdoors
    • Greater focus on student led projects, connection across subjects

Year Three – Sustainability Phase

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Q & A

  • Lakeshore Elementary School Principal, Scott Follett
    • folletts@westottawa.net

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