Outdoor Classroom
Vision
Our vision was to create an outdoor classroom at our school. Last year, we created a butterfly peace garden. This year we wanted to still maintain the peace garden, but also add a seating area for teachers to bring their classes, as well as a sensory element for our severe needs moderate room students.
Action
Last year we created a butterfly peace garden and this year we added a seating area for teachers to bring their classes. The seating area in our outdoor classroom is comprised of 6 wooden logs. The oval log placement reflects a more inquiry-driven 21st century classroom model (collaborative learning environment) and is perfect for discussions, songs, and performances. We were also able to order some ornamental grasses, as well as excavate a small garden in front of the logs to plant.
Links
Picture #1: Map created by the 4 Eco Ambassadors (grade 8 students) while brainstorming how they would like their outdoor classroom to look.
Picture #2: Map revised by a teacher after speaking to the Grants Department.
Picture #3: Outdoor Classroom under construction