Presenter: Name: Natasha Carty

Title: School Librarian
Organization/School: Albuquerque Public Schools/Tres Volcanes Community Collaborative School

Program Description
In this engaging session, we will explore how school librarians can successfully integrate outdoor learning into their library programs using the Learning in Places curriculum. This free and adaptable resource is designed to foster inquiry-based learning and environmental stewardship through hands-on, nature-focused activities. Participants will gain practical experience with this curriculum, learning how to adapt its activities to fit the unique environment of the school library.

We will dive deep into specific strategies, including how to use the library space as an extension of the outdoors, where students can engage in field-based science activities, nature journaling, and environmental exploration. Additionally, we will explore the power of picture books in supporting these outdoor lessons—showing how literature can deepen students’ understanding of the natural world and encourage them to think critically about their relationship with the environment.

By the end of the session, attendees will leave with a variety of tools, strategies, and inspiration for creating a library program that connects students to their local ecosystems and encourages them to explore the world around them. These activities will also align with the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Standards, helping librarians foster environmental literacy, promote inquiry-based learning, and cultivate essential skills for 21st-century learners. Participants will be empowered to transform their library programs into vibrant spaces that not only support academic growth but also build a lasting connection to the environment, empowering students to become active, informed citizens of both their local and global communities.

Learning Objectives
Participants will:
Access and Explore the Learning in Places Curriculum – Learn about this free resource and how to integrate its outdoor, inquiry-based activities into their school library programs.
Adapt Activities for the Library Setting – Discover creative ways to bring the outdoors indoors by modifying outdoor lessons to fit the library environment, fostering both academic and social growth.
Integrate Picture Books into Outdoor Learning – Explore a variety of picture books that enhance outdoor learning activities, supporting literacy development.
Support AASL Standards – Understand how this approach aligns with the AASL Standards for 21st-Century Learners, particularly in the areas of inquiry, collaboration, and reading for learning.

Program Outline
Introduction: My Journey with Learning in Places
Begin by sharing the personal story of how I became involved with Learning in Places and its impact on my library program.
Briefly introduce the concept of Learning in Places and its focus on outdoor, inquiry-based learning.

Exploring the Learning in Places Curriculum
Walk participants through the free resources available from Learning in Places and explain how these can be easily adapted for use in the school library setting.

Share my experiences of incorporating outdoor learning activities into library classes.
Demonstrate two key activities: "Wondering Walks" and "Wondering Talks."
Show pictures and student-created materials from these activities.
Discuss how these activities encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to the environment.

Improving Our School Garden: A Collaborative Project
Present the project students worked on to improve our school garden, showcasing student contributions.

Using Picture Books to Support Outdoor Learning
Demonstrate how I utilized nature-based picture books to enrich the Learning in Places lessons.
Guide participants through an evaluation of nature-based picture books, exploring the themes of human connection to nature. Specifically, we will analyze whether books portray humans as “apart from nature” or “a part of nature.”

Interactive Nature Craft Activity
Provide an opportunity for participants to engage in a hands-on nature craft activity that they can recreate with their students.

Closing: Resources for Future Learning
Share a curated list of nature-based picture books and other resources to support outdoor learning practices in the library.
Encourage participants to think about how they can apply the Learning in Places approach in their own schools.

Conclusion:
Q&A session and discussion of how to implement the strategies covered in the session into participants' unique school contexts.
Unlock the Power of Outdoor Learning in Your Library!

Grade Level: 3-5

Session Strand: Teaching & Learning

Presenter
Natasha Carty

Natasha Carty is a K-8 National Board Certified Teacher school librarian at Tres Volcanes Community Collaborative School in Albuquerque, New Mexico with experience as a Montessori teacher and children’s librarian in public libraries. She is actively involved in the library community, currently serving as Chair of New Mexico School Librarians and as AASL Chapter Delegate. Natasha is also on the New Mexico Land of Enchantment Book Award Committee, is a member of the AASL Bylaws Committee and the AASL National Conference Planning Committee, and has participated in ALA’s Advocacy and Law for Librarians workshops to further support school libraries and librarians.


Description: Are you ready to bring the outdoors into your library and inspire your students with hands-on, field-based science activities? Join us to learn how to access and utilize the free Learning in Places curriculum to enhance your library classes. This innovative program encourages students to explore their outdoor spaces, engage in scientific inquiry, and make thoughtful, ethical decisions about the environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your library into a gateway for outdoor exploration and environmental learning!