Interview
Takeaways From Teaching Young Children Outdoors in Freezing Cold — An Interview with Olivia Phipps
An American student from Seattle takes notes from Norway
Many people automatically assume teaching school outside can’t be done. It’s too cold, too hot, and children don’t have the appropriate attire are some common arguments. Another good argument — people resist change.
I ask you to approach this interview with an open mind. If snowy Norway has figured out a way to teach kids outside, shouldn’t the US be able to do the same? What does it say about our public school education system that an appropriate argument is lack of federal and local funds? What message does this send to US kids about the future?
The message that children aren’t worth investing in bothers me. Let’s take a moment to imagine a United States in which we do invest our dollars in children’s education.
Olivia Rose Phipps is a cherished friend and childhood educator who spent a semester interning at an outdoor school in Norway. For Olivia, the solution to reopening American Public Schools during the COVID-19 era is obvious. And, the New York Times Editorial Board agrees, “Officials need to think outside the building. Some fall classes could be held in the…
