Butterflies, bunnies and bees in a classroom? Not quite. They are just outside our classroom, living on a little patch of green grass. I have seen students discover, explore and wonder more about our world while out there, then through any other instructional media I have ever used in my classroom. The hands on learning is so engaging for students, it must continue.
Each year, students transform a weed covered patch of green into an outdoor learning space to grow things and to grow with one another. Students work together to plant flowers, pull weeds and paint messages on rocks and signs. This rejuvenation has a ripple effect on the students. Some begin to share experiences and ideas (bird feeders, milkweed for butterflies), some hop around the garden and some just sit and draw. If you were there, you would get the sense of endless possibilities.
Our outdoor place is much more than just a space for a 9/11 remembrance plaque, for us to be readers and writers, or even scientists studying life cycles and soil.
This little patch of green...
...develops our responsibility and pride for the environment as we work to reduce, reuse and recycle.
...strengthens our sense of community and connects us with our families and school as we work together.
...enables students to recognize the importance of perseverance as we tend to its upkeep.
...creates problem solvers as we work with town employees and remind them to be careful around the growing plants.
...provides opportunities for students to be decision makers and planners as we think about its future.
Your help will provide hands on experiences that children love and need. We hope that you can help us make a big difference, with just a little patch of green.
About my class
Butterflies, bunnies and bees in a classroom? Not quite. They are just outside our classroom, living on a little patch of green grass. I have seen students discover, explore and wonder more about our world while out there, then through any other instructional media I have ever used in my classroom. The hands on learning is so engaging for students, it must continue.
Each year, students transform a weed covered patch of green into an outdoor learning space to grow things and to grow with one another. Students work together to plant flowers, pull weeds and paint messages on rocks and signs. This rejuvenation has a ripple effect on the students. Some begin to share experiences and ideas (bird feeders, milkweed for butterflies), some hop around the garden and some just sit and draw. If you were there, you would get the sense of endless possibilities.
Our outdoor place is much more than just a space for a 9/11 remembrance plaque, for us to be readers and writers, or even scientists studying life cycles and soil.
This little patch of green...
...develops our responsibility and pride for the environment as we work to reduce, reuse and recycle.
...strengthens our sense of community and connects us with our families and school as we work together.
...enables students to recognize the importance of perseverance as we tend to its upkeep.
...creates problem solvers as we work with town employees and remind them to be careful around the growing plants.
...provides opportunities for students to be decision makers and planners as we think about its future.
Your help will provide hands on experiences that children love and need. We hope that you can help us make a big difference, with just a little patch of green.
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