Summer quickly turned into fall, but the learning landscape still differs depending on your location in 2021. It is becoming more common for areas of education to return to the classroom full-time, others to remain virtual, while others use hybrid learning to provide the best of both worlds. By integrating nature into the curriculum, some educators are discovering that they can breathe new life into learning.
In addition to peaking your students’ interest, teaching in nature also brings the opportunity to end the day covered in bug bites. Here are some ways to combat bug bites when teaching outside.
Make a Plan
You should plan your lessons according to Mother Nature’s calendar. Mosquitoes are often attracted to areas where it is raining heavily or high humidity. Early in the morning and late in the afternoon have been observed to be the busiest times for biting flies. A tall grassy area with a lot of thick vegetation is more likely to have ticks.
Keeping students focused on the lesson rather than pesky insects may be easier with an understanding of the types of environments that nuisance insects prefer.
Get ready for the day
You should let parents know that you intend to spend some time outdoors and suggest they prepare their child with a repellant registered with the EPA. Furthermore, parents can dress their children in insect-repellent clothing in addition to repellant. Any products that contain DEET are the most effective in combating mosquito bites.
Those who prefer more natural repellents may wish to wear essential oils. Mosquitoes do not like the scent of lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus, which is attractive to humans but not mosquitoes.
Adapt to Your Environment
By protecting yourself from the elements, you will be able to focus on learning. Choose a location that is shaded – whether it’s by trees or by the shadow of your school. You should also consider taking measures to prevent your outdoor classroom from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
However, you can keep it simple in your outdoor classroom:
- Ensure that your outdoor spaces don’t have standing water.
- Grass clippings, leaves, firewood, and grass cuttings should be removed from your lawn.
- Make sure to turn over items with the potential to hold water, like portable sandboxes, plastic toys, or birdbaths.
In the event that your students thrive in an outdoor setting and you want to continue to provide them with this alternative educational experience, contact SWAT Mosquito Systems®️ and talk about the possibility of having our system at your facility.