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A majority of the discussions around learning focus on work conducted in the classroom setting. However, there is another option for a learning environment and that is to take it out into the community. There are a variety of benefits to moving classroom teaching outside. For example, changing environments can increase engagement in the learning process. Something new might peak the interest of students who are getting tired of the same lessons or sitting in the same room each day. Changing to an outside environment can also offer a larger variety of teaching resources than the classroom can. For example, a grocery store has many more items to discuss than anyone can physically bring into a classroom. Lastly, opportunity for grammar and vocabulary along with group, pair or individual work does not lessen when out in the community. There are equal or even more options outside the classroom. Engaging in learning outside the classroom is beneficial and offers many options for lesson planning. While there are many opportunities for teaching and learning outside the classroom, this paper will focus specifically on examples for teaching vocabulary and grammar lessons using everyday tasks. This will include shopping, dining out, going to the post office, and visiting a park. While these outside activities are specific, the lessons can be flexible enough to work with other similar environments. One option for an outside learning activity is to take students shopping. Students could be taken to a grocery store, pharmacy, clothing store, or electronics store. While in the store there is a tremendous opportunity for vocabulary work. Items sold can be identified and described. There may also be discussions around money and payments. There is an opportunity here for role play and working in pairs. One should keep in mind to focus on selected items and level of learning to avoid students being overwhelmed with the lesson in an environment with so much material. Another option for outside learning is to take students to a cafe or restaurant. Much like shopping, students can work on their vocabulary when ordering food and describing items in the eatery. However, this lesson can also focus on individual work where students engage with staff in ordering food or asking questions about the menu. Students can also work as a group and engage in discussions or interviews while sitting at the table together. Depending on the setting it would also be a good opportunity to discuss foods of different cultures. The post office may be another opportunity for outside learning. Vocabulary is a focus for the lesson; however, there are many other options specific to this location. Student can engage in individual work addressing letters or packages and determine cost of mailing. Students can also work with verb tenses and conversation when asking postal staff when the package will arrive or when they need to send it for it to arrive at a specific time. Class size may be a consideration for this particular location. Lastly, an outside lesson at a local park would be an appropriate location for learning. Lessons previously discussed around vocabulary and grammar may be implemented. However, there is the option to have students complete their Activate portion of the ESA lesson outdoors. If there is a lesson discussing animals, botanicals, weather, or a lesson having to do with people and their appearance or activities it can be completed in the environment discussed. Students may still work individually, in pairs, or groups. Worksheets can be completed and presentations can also be made outdoors. This will require very specific planning on the part of the teacher so as no resource are left behind in the classroom. There are many more options for outside learning activities depending on the resources surrounding the learning environment. Some may even be seasonal events like trips to the beach or a cultural festival. These outside activities also have the option to be modified and used for homework activities. The outside experiences may also be used for future lessons. Reflecting back on previous experiences and discussing future trips focusing on verb tenses. Using outside activities holds many benefits and also provides a variety of lesson planning opportunities to enhance learning.
