A framework for using the outdoors as a vehicle for providing meaningful language arts experiences is presented in this guide geared toward intermediate students but adaptable for other ages. The introduction outlines goals of language arts instruction and notes that activities conducted outdoors contribute to these goals because they are motivating, concrete, consistent with whole language methodology, and relevant to children's lives. Chapter 2 contains practical tips for managing children in the outdoors, planning outdoor activities, and evaluating children's outdoor experiences. Chapter 3 explains a cyclical instructional model consisting of motivation, exploration, expression, labeling application, and a second opportunity for expression. Chapter 4 suggests ways of using children's literature in outdoor education and lists books and activities that could be used to study astronomy, American Indians, the desert, and environmental communications. Chapter 5 describes language arts activities that can be used to facilitate outdoor education experiences. Activities are listed under the topics of air, humans in the environment, plants, animals, and rocks and minerals. Appendices contain an evaluation by students of a trip to the Grand Canyon and four books written and illustrated by students ("Deserts Are Alive,""Plants and their Adaptations,""Wonders of the Desert," and "How You Can Survive"). (JHZ)