What is a sit spot?  I was first introduced to this term in my Masters of Outdoor Education.  It is a small mat to sit on, but so much more.  The small mat could be a yoga mat, a carpet sample, or I use foam mats from an inexpensive store.  If you don't have sit spots you can still take your students outdoors!  As my students say, "Dirt don't hurt!" when sitting on the forest floor.  

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However sit spots are so much more than a mat.  A sit spot creates a psychological grounding for people.  My students proudly take their sit spot and go to their special spot for quiet sitting, writing, or reading.  You and your students will be amazed at how quiet students can sit and create while on a sit spot.  Oh the power of nature!

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Lauren MacLean is a classroom teacher, author, consultant, and pod cast host.  Her books lean into the concept of sit spots: Me and My Sit Spot, Finding Common Ground, and Sitting with Nature: An Educator's Guide to Sit Spots.  You can also take PD from her through the Outdoor Learning Store.  For those new to Outdoor Education be inspired for this new pedagogy through her podcast: Teach Outdoors.  Or listen to her on you tube @Teach Outdoors or many YouTube videos featuring her by putting her name into a search.  Follow her on Instagram at: @teachoutdoors and sign up for her e-newsletter at Teach Outdoors.