Installation of Playground Equipment and Outdoor Classroom...A Success!!!

Hello Instructors and fellow classmates,

First, let me start by saying, we had a very beautiful day, weather wise, for setting up the playground equipment and the outdoor classroom! Thank you Lord!

We had about 16 people (including men and women) show up to help with the construction and serving. Karen, her husband, and I showed up first to get the coffee and donuts set out for the volunteers to have some breakfast before starting the project. Right after that we all broke up into teams and went to work. Karen and I, (mostly Karen) had been working with Lowes to donate some items to build some flower-beds. They were supposed to have everything ready yesterday, but something came up, so Karen and I drove over and picked up the items this morning and the men were able to construct the flower-beds before 2:00 o'clock. We send out a HUGE, THANK YOU, to LOWES and your wonderful team here in Lindale, Texas!!! GRACIAS!!! 100 x's. :)

Earlier in the week, I had sent out an email to all our ECC staff requesting food and drink donations for our volunteers and told everyone that I had posted a list of the items we wanted in our workroom. I am proud and thankful to report that we had a great response! I work with the best teachers and staff in the world! They allowed themselves to be a blessing to our volunteers and to me. There was a lot of food!! We even had enough left over to share with our teachers and staff on Monday. So a nice shout out to our ECC faculty and staff!! Hoorah!!!

When I first started this project, I contacted our maintenance department to find out where they had put the equipment that had come in over the summer and to see if they could bring it over to our building so that it would be there when we needed to install them. Our district had been responsible to purchase a few things in order to help construct the outdoor classroom, so I inquired from maintenance to see if the items had been purchased, they had been. They also went out and purchased some water sealant, liquid nail and caulking gun, and some brushes for us to be able to use as well. There were a few things that our maintenance crew was supposed to do, but forgot. One was to drop off the cement we were going to need to brace the balance bar and balance logs into place, but they forgot to bring the cement, so while we were at Lowes, we bought a few bags. Maintenance was also supposed to come and flag the area so we would know where any underground lines were located, we wrote and sent out the workorder three weeks in advance. They did not do that, thank God one of our volunteers only ran into one gas line, bus stopped just short of piercing the line. That was the only problem we had with  underground lines or pipes. They were also supposed to bring these long nails to brace our climbing rock, we do not know what happened to them, but one of the gentlemen from our ESC said he had some and he would come and put them in on Monday. So, we had a few setbacks, but nothing that we could not overcome. So, we send a shout out to our Maintenance Crew for all their help, as well!! Hoorah!!

I could not have gotten all this organized and done without the fantastic help of Karen Rehders, Kristy Watson and especially my Site Supervisor, Dana Sustaire. I send you three out a Super Great Shout Out...HOORAH!!! I also want to give an ENORMOUS THANK YOU to all our community Volunteers  and our ESC volunteers, John and Bob, you're the best...THANK YOU & GRACIAS 100 X'S! There is on more entity I want to send a GINORMOUS THANK YOU to and that is our ESC Head Start Program, for their donation of the playground equipment and the outdoor classroom...THANK YOU & GRACIAS 1000 X'S. I hope I did not leave anyone out.

When it was finshed, we stood back and looked at it, took lots of pictures, and felt a sense of pride and a sense of relief, that this part of the project was just about finished. We still need to get some dirt, fall zone material, and a few little odd and ends done before it will be completely ready, but for the majority, it is done! We had everything done and cleaned up, even the food and table put away, by 2:30, thanks to everyone's help and cooperation. It was a beautiful day and we had fun doing the work.

Week 5 - Final Reflections

As I look back on my first week day in this course, I cannot help but remember thinking this was not going to be a very fun class. Why? Well, my first thought about anything related to the word research “come from the process-product paradigm and include a ‘controlled setting,’ ‘an experiment with controls and treatment groups,’ ‘an objective scientist removed from the subjects of study so as not to contaminate findings,’ ‘long hours in the library,’ and ‘crunching numbers.’” (Dana, 2009) I was not too happy about that. To my surprise, the research, better termed “inquiry or wondering,” turned out to be the opposite of my original thought. It was a wonderful surprise to learn that I was going to be the “head learner” and the chooser of my “inquiry.” I was going to be able to choose something that was going to make a difference in my school and in my district! I became excited about that and the class took on a whole different tone.

I enjoyed the videos from the three different former Lamar students and learned that while doing my research, I should look into the research that others have done and not feel like I have to reinvent the wheel. I also learned that I should choose action research that is practical for my learning and the benefit of my school and my students not research that is theoretical. Not that theory is bad, but in seeking action research that is practical, you learn more because it interests you more.

The various formats for writing out our action research were very beneficial as well. Once you’ve gone through each of the steps and have written down your “well” though-out plan, with timelines and everything, it gives you pause and a sense of accomplishment as well as relief to see it in black and white. Then you go and post it on your blog and your peers and instructors help you by giving you constructive criticism on what you’ve written. You reflect on their thoughts and you make adjustments as necessary. This form of research is so much better than the traditional research. You feel like you’re making it your own and when it is finished, you will feel a sense of pride because you’ve actually impacted the lives of students, colleagues, and yourself.

I enjoyed learning about the three strategies for sustaining improvement from the Harris, et al book. For my project, regarding the playground/outdoor classroom, the Force Field Analysis worked best. Although, I am eager to try out the other two, the Delphi Method and the Nominal Group Technique at a later date. Making use of the CARE Model also helped me to look into ideas that may need change in the future and ideas for use of the Delphi and Nominal strategies.

All in all, I have enjoyed this class because it turned out totally different than what I expected it would, pleasantly so. This class has opened my eyes to a whole new way of exploring research and it will benefit me as a future administrator and leader. I have a whole new respect for research and for collaboration in research. Talking with my Site Supervisor has helped me so very much in designing my action research plan. She has a wealth of knowledge that I am benefiting from. Each person that has commented on my blog or in the Discussion Board to something I have posted, I have taken your insights and I have reflected on them. After reflecting on them, I have added your insight to my plan or have tweaked my plan in some way because of your comments, so thank you for your comments. You are all so helpful!

References:
Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. 
      Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining what we do to improve our schools:
      8 steps from analysis to action. Larchmont, NY: Eye On Education.

Agreed Upon Action Research Plan

After speaking with my Site Supervisor, there has been no change to the previously posted AR plan. Her main concern is that the outdoor classroom be continually used and not go to waste. With the development and addition of lesson plans for teachers to immediately use, this should not be a problem. Teachers are certainly welcome to come up with their own lesson plan to use with the outdoor classroom, but I will also include several lesson plans to help get them started and to sponsor and support the use of the outdoor classroom.

Developing the Action Research Plan

Deb Kellas - EDLD5301 - EA1267 - Week 3 - Developing the Action Research Plan Goals and Objectives/Outcomes of the Research Investigation: ·         Design a usable, safe playground/outdoor classroom. ·         Create a few usable lesson plans for the outdoor classroom to get teachers started. ·         Field observation to experience the hands-on learning accomplished by our students.

Activities Designed to Achieve the Objectives: ·         Solicit the help of ESC Head Start Staff, Head Start Dads, Eagel DADS, and Site base committee Dads, if necessary, to help in the construction and design of the playground/outdoor classroom. ·         Solicit the donation of food, drinks, and serving assistance to feed our construction crew. ·         Gather all the equipment and tools needed for the day of assembly. ·         Constant collaboration with site supervisor and playground/outdoor classroom committee.

Resources and Research Tools Needed for Data Gathering: ·         I will use the Internet as a resource. ·         I will use literature on playground and outdoor classrooms as a resource. ·         I will use suggestions from people in this line of work or who have done this before. ·         I will use suggestions from my fellow students on the web-blog. ·         Collaboration with site supervisor and playground/outdoor classroom committee input. ·         Teacher Surveys ·         Field observations as the teachers take out their students to use the outdoor classroom. ·         Digital Camera

Draft Timeline for Completion or Implementation of Activities: ·         February 23: set up appointment with Maintenance to see where all the equipment is being stored. ·         March 2: get all the equipment placed in one designated area. ·         March 3: have ESC Staff come over to ECC to make sure we have all donated equipment necessary to begin construction ·         March 3-25: Identify design or layout in collaboration with playground/outdoor classroom committee. Identify/Create a few lesson plans for teachers to use. ·         March 26: All construction and catering help will gather at 8:00 a.m. and begin construction of the playground/outdoor classroom. ·         March 28-April 8: Give maintenance crew time to put the Thompson Sealant on the equipment and allow drying. ·         April 11-May 27: Gather data regarding use of the outdoor classroom using Teacher Surveys, Field Observations, Interviews with teachers and students, and Pictures. ·         June-July: Write the Action Research Paper

Persons Responsible for Implementation of the Action Research Plan: ·         Myself ·         Site Supervisor ·         Karen Rehders, Roxie Miles ·         ESC Head Start Construction Staff (John Hurst and Bob ?) ·         Head Start Dads, Eagle DADS, Committee Members Husbands ·         Site Base Committee Members ·         Lindale ISD Maintenance Crew ·         Teachers being surveyed

Process for Monitoring the Achievement of Goals and Objectives: ·         Teacher Surveys and Interviews ·         Continuous Field Observation ·         Site Supervisor Interview for insight/input once it is complete. ·         Development of more Outdoor Classroom Lesson Plans in collaboration with the Teachers and Site Base Committee for continued use.

Assessment Instrument(s) to Evaluate the Effectiveness of the Action Research Study: ·         Surveys, Interviews, Observations ·         Construction crew and Committee will play on the equipment to assess that it is sturdy and ready for use by Teachers and Students.

Lessons Learned In Week 3

Is that we need to the leaders of our own learning. As future leaders, we need to embrace the idea of doing research on our "wonderings." It will be nice, though, when we can get a team of professionals to help us out though. That is the reason I like this idea of blogging because I look forward to see your responses and ideas regarding our action research plans. The Dana book states that we need to have a "welcoming attitude toward and active seeking of change: "Essentially research is nothing but a state of mind...a friendly, welcoming attitude toward change,...going out to look for change instead of waiting for it to come" (Kettering, in Boyd, 1961). I know that if I look around my campus I could find some real situations that need attention and change. It's a matter of finding caring enough individuals to take on the challenges to make the necessary changes. We read this week and last week that an administrators day is quite full and finding time to do inquiries/wonderings is hard but essential. So, as students and aspiring leaders, it is most likely a load off of your administrators mind that you and I are taking on a wondering for them. It helps us and it helps them, as well. It helps the school culture and climate, because the administrator has one less wondering to worry about.

AR Plan Process Overview

ACTION RESEARCH PLAN

PROCESS OVERVIEW

1.      Setting the Foundation: Through a discussion with our Site Base Committee it was asked what we were planning to do with the playground equipment that was donated to our campus. Our campus principal brought it up again during one of our Lead Teacher Meeting. During the time my site supervisor and I were reviewing my Internship Plan, this question was posed again, so my site supervisor asked me to oversee the project of getting that equipment setup and useful for our campus.

2.      Analyzing Date: Seeing as we will be working directly on our campus to set up this playground/outdoor classroom equipment, I will utilize the Internet, literature, interviews with ESC staff that have set up this type of equipment before, site supervisor input, and Site Base Committee input to analyze the data.

3.      Developing Deeper Understanding: As I have used the internet to investigate outdoor classrooms and playgrounds, I have come up with several more questions that need to be asked before setting up the equipment. How many children will the playground serve at one time? Are there children with special needs to consider? Where will we set up the sign-up sheet so the teachers can take turns using the outdoor classroom? Where is the best sunlight for our vegetation box or plant box? Do we need to remove anything from the site? Do we need to level? Who will furnish the “Thompson Water Sealant” to seal the wood, so that the equipment will last for a very long time and so it will not splinter and cause a child to get hurt? And many more questions that surely will come up as we continue the project.

4.    Engage In Self-Reflection: I will use self-reflection during this project because I really want this playground to be used for special projects in which children can become engaged. We used to have a “Water Playground” that was not useful and so it was taken down. I do not want that to happen to this playground. So, as the students and teachers use the outdoor classroom, I would like to take pictures, view the lesson plan, and display the children’s work to show that the outdoor classroom is being used. This will also show our community that the outdoor classroom is being used and is not a waste. Reflection will be a useful tool once the outdoor classroom is in use.

5.      Exploring Programmatic Patterns: During the time that I am working on this project, I will be in constant communication with my site supervisor, Our Head Start Staff, and our Site Base Committee, so that everything that is done will be done for a useful purpose and with our desired goal in mind. We want this outdoor classroom to be useful for students and teachers. . I would maybe survey the teachers and ask them what else they would need to help them make good use of the outdoor classroom.

6.      Determining Direction: In determining my direction, I will definitely need to stay in contact with my site supervisor and our maintenance crew because we want to make sure our outdoor classroom is set up in a way in which it will be useful for students and teachers, but also easy to maintain for our maintenance crew. I will be in constant collaboration with all the people involved in this project so that we are going in the right direction. When I first thought about doing this project, I thought it could be done quickly and I could go on to another project, but as I look at all the goals and desires for the success of this project, I see that it will take longer than I anticipated. I will have to re-vamp my timeline to reflect a different projected date.

7.      Taking Action For School Improvement: I have contacted our ESC Staff and one gentleman has come out to make sure we have all the equipment that was donated. He also showed me pictures from several other campuses he and his co-worker have set up together with community helpers. My site supervisor, Head Start Staff, and Site Base Committee members will be informed constantly regarding the plans of this playground/outdoor classroom. Together we will collaborate to make sure everything is going as planned and we will monitor it’s use so as to address any issues that may arise.

8.      Sustain Improvement: I will also be monitoring the use of the outdoor classroom and surveying the teachers to see what else we may need to do to help improve and sustain the use of the outdoor classroom. I will share outcomes with my campus, our district and our community. I will also share the results with my online blog colleagues.

Action Reseach Plan

I will begin by asking the question: “What is the best way to design/layout the playground/outdoor classroom so that it will be safe and useful for both students and teachers?

The project will be done on my campus, Early Childhood Campus. It will take up the back portion of our existing playground and will be fenced off for designated use. It will also be fenced off so that students will not get into the area during regular recess time. My target population will be that of students (ages 4-7) and teachers. They will be the ones using the outdoor classroom for outdoor projects chosen by the teachers.

I will do online and literature research along with taking suggestions from ESC staff that have done this sort of setup before, to investigate different ways to best set up the playground/outdoor classroom equipment. I need to take into consideration:

Ø  Does our site have any space constraints or unique features?

Ø  Will we need to do any preparation to the site?

o   Tree removal

o   Leveling

o   Drainage problems

o   Flagging of underground pipes or wires

Ø  Where is the best sunlight for our vegetation boxes to be set?

Ø  The ages of the children will be between 4-6 years of age.

Ø  The safety of these small children is uppermost in my mind. So I will be checking the equipment for any flaws and asking maintenance to put “Thompson Water Sealant” on the equipment so it does not splinter.

Ø  How many children will be on the playground at one time?

Ø  Are there children with special needs that we need to consider?

Ø  What is the specific design or look we want to achieve?

Ø  Are there many lesson plans out there for the continued use of this playground/outdoor classroom?

Ø  What other types of activities do we want to incorporate into our outdoor classroom?

Ø  Who will help us install the equipment? How will we make sure the equipment is preserved so it lasts for many years to come?

Ø  Will our Site Base Committee want to help with the construction or with feeding those people who are helping with the construction/installation?

Ø  Do we need any more pieces or equipment to make the playground/outdoor classroom better? What kind of manipulates will we need for our students and teachers to use in their projects?

There questions and possibly more questions that develop as we move along, will be collaboratively answered by Karen Rehders, Head Start Coordinator, Roxie Miles, Head Start Teacher, ESC Staff, Site Base Committee, my Principal, our Maintenance Staff, our Superintendent (if necessary), and myself. I want this playground/outdoor classroom to be as productive as possible and not just sit out there not being used. I would like to create or find already created lesson plans for our teachers to choose from and to incorporate into their curriculum.

Nine Passions That Drive Wonderings

This week we read and wrote about nine different, yet related, passions for us to be able to chose our first wondering, they are: Staff Development, Curriculum Development, Individual Teacher(s), Individual Student(s), School Culture/Community, Leadership, Management, School Performance, and Social Justice.

As I read these, I came across a few that are related to a topic that I have been thinking about doing an action research project on. When I did my Leadership Book Review, I read "Results Now" by Mike Schmoker, and he stated in the book that we have too many TEKS and that they need to be more concise. He suggests we should, as a grade level, go through the TEKS and choose the ones that are most important to making sure the students can pass the state assessment (TPRI) and progress to the next grade level. He suggests we then decide, as a grade level, best instructional strategies and common assessments to evaluate how the students are progressing each six weeks. I am interested in doing my action research project, as a grade level, on condensing the TEKS and creating common assessments that will help evaluate our instructional startegies, so that our students can be successful on TPRI and be ready for first grade.

Purpose and Significance of my Action Research

Purpose and Significance of Action Research:

While discussing my internship plan with my site supervisor, she mentioned having been donated some playground equipment that she did not want to lose. It was being donated to us from Head Start and she wanted to make good use of it, but did not know exactly what to do with it. We decided it would be a good research project for me. Our Head Start teacher, coordinator and I, along with our ESC Head Start personnel, have been brainstorming ideas for how to design this playground/outdoor classroom.

The purpose for the playground/outdoor classroom is to provide our students and teachers with a playground that can also be used as a classroom. The area can be used for hands-on learning in both real play and academic cross-curricular activities.

The significance of the research will reflect that students will benefit from this area as a playground and as a classroom. They will develop socially, physically, emotionally, and academically. Teachers will benefit from the area as they develop lessons that will allow them to use the area as an educational tool. Our community will benefit from the area as they see how their children are benefiting from the playground/outdoor classroom that a few of them will have helped us construct.