Seniors in Mr. Luce’s AP English Literature class could be seen outside, discussing Jean Toomer’s Harlem Renaissance book Cane. As they soaked up the sun, the class shared ideas about the novel. Like any standard English period, students talked about themes, symbols, and historical context and drew connections between previous books they had read and Cane.

Classes don’t often venture outside because of temperature or inconvenience, so this was a real treat. Learning outside can have a great impact on student participation and attention. Engagement often increases, and students are usually calmer during class. Just being outside and learning in a different environment is a nice change of pace.

As temperatures are expected to drop, take advantage of days with nice weather and go outside– your teachers may even indulge a class outdoors.