With spring in the air students at 100 Mile House Elementary are leaping back into their outdoor classrooms.
Throughout the years but especially in the spring, teachers at the elementary school find ways to incorporate outdoor education into their learning. Principal Crystal Dawn-Langton said outdoor education transforms learning into an exciting outdoor adventure. This is especially important among children in Kindergarten and Grade 1, Dawn Langton noted.
"Mrs. Tammi Varney's kindergarten class takes full advantage of this emphasis on place-based learning, often venturing into the local park for purposeful lessons. This beautiful park serves as a vibrant extension of the classroom, where children engage with the natural world and discover the stories of the land," Dawn-Langton said. "We hold deep gratitude for this precious space, which enhances their learning experience."
On Thursday, April 3 Varney's class was putting this philosophy into action, heading to Centennial Park to enjoy the sunshine while learning. Accompanying them was Penny Reid, the school's Indigenous Support Worker, who told them a local legend before the students were encouraged to come up with their own story showing cause and effect.
Varney's students delighted in drawing colourful scenes depicting their stories and presenting them on Centennial Park's stage. They also visibly enjoyed the chance to run around in nature.
“So many of our students are familiar with the park as a place to play and enjoy with their families. Having the opportunity to visit this familiar space and use it to teach about science and the environment will hopefully help students share what they learn with their families," Varney said. "The beautiful setting also naturally leads the students to observe and use all their senses to share ideas and ask questions about what they see, hear, or feel. Nature brings a sense of calmness and focus to our lessons.”
For Reid, the park is the perfect place to share her knowledge of local Secwepemc culture. She noted that most indigenous teachings include a deep respect for the land and nature, along with the interconnectedness of all things. On Thursday she specifically wanted to teach the students about the circle of life, from a speed sporting into a flower to a snake eating a bird and both returning to the soil to feed plants like the flower.
"We also told a legend about a mouse hiding in a fir cone to get away from a forest fire when no other tree would help it," Reid remarked. "(Outdoors) they take more in and then we can talk about so many other things. It's just a good jumping-off point."
Reid said it just feels good to be outside and she believes there is a lot that we and the students of 100 Mile Elementary can learn from nature. Dawn-Langton agreed, noting this immersive learning experience fosters curiosity, self-confidence and respect for nature among her students.
"Additionally, outdoor learning develops self-regulation strategies, allowing them to manage their emotions and behaviours better," Dawn-Langton said. "Importantly, this approach empowers students to become stewards of the land, instilling a sense of responsibility for its care. By embracing this model, Mrs. Varney's class cultivates a love for exploration and deepens their understanding of community and culture, making every lesson an enriching adventure that resonates with their everyday lives."
