Transcending the Classroom - A Back-to-Nature Approach to Learning

Funded Aug 12, 2023

Many people make the reasonable assumption that Alaskan kids grow up in the outdoors and know how to engage with the natural world. While it is true that we have an abundance of nature right outside pretty much any door, many students are just like kids anywhere these days; they have been raised with screens in their faces with no idea how to unplug.

With your donations, I have been able to expose over 100 different kids to an opportunity to academically engage while outside of the traditional classroom. Every Friday, I invite any students who would like to participate a change to go outside with their hammock, write place-based poetry, and then post it on my page along side an image. Despite the changes of the seasons, I'm having to cap the class because so many kids are excited to just spend that time in the woods, getting in touch with their poetic side.

Thank you for providing me the equipment to make this a safe and viable option for my learners.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Rinella