Everything You Need for an Outdoor Classroom Tent
There’s a nationwide debate currently over whether or not students should return to physical classrooms in the fall. Some insist it’s best to get back to life as usual. Others argue it’s too dangerous and that schools should double down on remote learning. But those schools that do return will likely find themselves researching an outdoor classroom tent.
The idea is simple: present students with an outdoor learning environment, where classes take place inside large pole tents or frame tents. These tents would keep students safe from the sun and weather conditions. And just as important, they'd provide students with fresh air and ideal social distancing measures.
Of course, most school staff have very limited experience with party tents, if any. They likely won’t know the differences between the four main types of tents, let alone the ins and outs of actually setting one up. So what does an “outdoor classroom tent” need? What equipment should a grade school or college invest in, and why?
Let’s examine the key types of equipment a school should consider purchasing with an outdoor classroom tent. And if you need any help at all with purchasing and setting up your new tent, give our team a call at 1-716-832-8368 and we’ll be happy to help!
Pole Tents and Frame Tents
For the purposes of your outdoor classroom, there are two types of party tents to consider: pole tents and frame tents. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages, especially where outdoor learning environments are concerned.
Pole tents are a bit cheaper than frame tents, and they come in larger sizes too, which may be ideal for some colleges. However, you can’t set up a pole tent on pavement without damaging the asphalt (you can patch it later with asphalt plugs if you really need to). Also, they’re not as ideal for longer term setups.
Frame tents are more versatile in that they can be set up just about anywhere. They lack center poles, too, which can restrict internal space and bog down your outdoor classroom design plans. And many find them preferable for their increased space, too.
Tent Sidewalls
Tent sidewalls cover up the outer perimeter of your party tent, keeping wind and weather from getting inside. Sidewalls are exceptionally useful, especially when the weather starts getting cooler later on in the fall. You can use sidewalls to create internal barriers, too; need to partition one large party tent into several outdoor classroom spaces? Hang up some tent sidewalls inside to create rooms and you’re good to go!
Handtrucks and Dollies
Transporting massive, hefty party tents can be very physically taxing. Handtrucks and dollies mitigate a great deal of that physical labor and limit the risk of serious injury in the process. Party tents can weigh hundreds—and even thousands—of pounds. Handtrucks, carts, and dollies are more a necessity than a luxury.
Tent Stake Drivers and Extractors
Speaking of exhausting physical labor, driving and extracting heavy duty tent stakes can get pretty tiring, too. Tent stake drivers and extractors can considerably speed up the processes of setting up and striking down your party tent. And if you happen to be setting up on harder terrain, drivers and extractors are mission critical.
Tent Jacks
If you chose pole tents, tent jacks won’t apply to you. But one person can raise a frame tent entirely on their own. And we're guessing you probably want to know how, right?
Tent jacks are designed to lift the tent top of your frame tent off the ground and hold it in position while you (or someone else) attaches the legs one by one. Without tent jacks, you’ll need a crew of people to raise a frame tent; some would hold the tent off the ground while others attach the legs. The tent jack definitely makes the process a whole lot easier.
Folding Tables and Chairs
Having your new outdoor classroom set up inside a party tent is great and all, but where will students sit? Where will they get their school work done? Your party tent will need some folding tables and folding chairs, spaced out appropriately to maximize social distancing and ensure student health. When class is over and the tent is going away, you may want to consider a cart to haul your folding tables and folding chairs off to storage.
Folding Podiums
Some teachers will be perfectly content using a folding table, and there’s always the option of bringing teacher desks outdoors, too. But in some applications, particularly an outdoor classroom at a university, educators might be better served with the use of a portable folding podium.
Ventilation Fans
When school first starts up, it’ll still be quite warm throughout most of the country. Most Americans will see that warmer weather continue through much of October, if it ever really cools down at all where you’re located. Ventilation fans can be used to push air through your party tent, helping keep students and faculty cool while also pulling in plenty of fresh, clean air. This is one of those investments you’ll find useful in countless other applications in and around your campus, too.
Tent Heaters
When the weather starts getting cooler, tent heaters and tent sidewalls pair up beautifully and can work together to keep students and faculty warm inside the tent. While not ideal for wintry, freezing conditions, tent heaters keep your outdoor classroom spaces operational for more of the year. And once students get accustomed to outdoor classrooms, spending more of the year in them is something they’ll definitely want you to consider.
Ready to Invest in an Outdoor Classroom Tent?
No one can really be sure what the upcoming fall semester will look like. The debate over whether or not students should return to school seems to still be a tossup, even as we race toward those early days of school.
Some school districts will likely decide to return to school, and most of those will be interested in finding outdoor classroom resources. And we might have a little bias—our company is called Tent and Table, after all—but we firmly believe the benefits of outdoor classrooms more than make up for the cost. And what’s not to love about keeping students extra safe while also providing them fun and productive environments for their school work?
Give our team a call today at 1-716-832-8368. We’d love to show you some of our high quality, commercial grade offerings in each of the aforementioned categories and help your school put together a top notch outdoor classroom. And please don’t forget to ask us about our financing options and our awesome current sales promotions, too!