what?
At Connect, outdoor and environmental education have been embedded in our charter and teaching philosophy for years but many of the outdoor experiences we focus on have been off school grounds. The bulk of students' outdoor time however, is local. By the end of Grade 9, students will have spent approximately 1800 hours (257 days) in our schoolyard over recesses and lunch breaks.
Recently there have been many conversations among students, teachers and parents around how we might increase the diversity of our outdoor space for the daily integration of curricular outcomes along with outdoor engaging/creative activity. We would like to push these conversations into action by beginning a process through which we might determine how our space is currently being used by students, plant and animal life, and how we might sustainably expand that use in the years to come.
Examples of other schoolyard revitalization projects:
Recently there have been many conversations among students, teachers and parents around how we might increase the diversity of our outdoor space for the daily integration of curricular outcomes along with outdoor engaging/creative activity. We would like to push these conversations into action by beginning a process through which we might determine how our space is currently being used by students, plant and animal life, and how we might sustainably expand that use in the years to come.
Examples of other schoolyard revitalization projects:
why?
Educational Benefits: Access to an "instant field trip" outside the school doors. A hands-on, cross-curricular teaching resource. Direct study opportunities in biology, ecology and botany. Opportunities for students to participate in real-life decision-making. Location, materials and inspiration for art, drama and language arts activities. | Ecological Benefits: Increased biodiversity on the school ground. Promotion of environmentally friendly gardening habits. Opportunities for urban-based families to interact with local ecosystems. Reduction of air and noise pollution. Creation of shade for protection from ultraviolet rays. | Social Benefits: Creation of a landscape that is relevant, equitable and accessible to all. Reduction of anti-social behaviour on school grounds. Opportunities for safer, more creative and spontaneous play. Creation of community green space. Increased student ownership and pride in their school and its grounds. Strengthened connections between the school and the surrounding community. |
how?
As we begin this process, we have asked all stakeholders to take a few minutes to complete the survey embedded below. If you would like to be involved as a member of the committee, there is space for you to include your name and contact email. Thanks so much for your interest and support!