Visiting an Outdoor Classroom!

I had such an incredible time visiting Amy Trayer and her K/1 kids. Every week they spend Wednesday outside in the Moreland Woods. Here is what Amy said about it:

This year several K/1 classes at EDS have been spending the day outdoors in the Moreland Woods as part of our curriculum.  Having the woods on site means we can take our classes out there and use the amazing resources it offers right on campus.  My students spend all day Wednesday out in the woods in an outdoor classroom environment.  With the help of parents, we have stations set up that include reading, journal writing, games, art, math and a heavy emphasis on science. Having an outdoor classroom allows students to explore nature and learn through hands on activities that encourage creative thinking, curiosity and motivation.  We notice that our students are focused, engaged, happy and excited to learn when out in nature!

Many other grades and classes at EDS are spending time out in the woods and using it for different PBL projects.  This has been a great opportunity to build our school community especially when the older kids are teaching the younger ones about science related concepts and caring for the woods.

Research has shown that by giving children opportunities to explore in nature we are teaching them how to solve their own problems, control their impulses, modulate their emotions, see from others’ perspectives, negotiate differences, and get along with other as equals.  By being out in nature and the real world, children are taught lessons of personal responsibility, self-control, and sociability.

The K/1 team applied for and received an Innovation grant from MEF to support the outdoor classroom!  We are so grateful for this support and look forward to building a science rich curriculum and creating an environment that benefits our students' overall health and well being.  

Follow my outdoor classroom on instagram: @edsroom19

~Amy Trayer. K/1 EDS