Place-Based Learning Collaborative NWRESD - Let the group know about project updates! Create posts under your heading. Include text and pictures (if possible). by Cristina Trecha

we've been nature journaling and I have a student asking for it every nice day!

2024-12-12 00:07:02 UTC

2024-12-12 00:07:39 UTC

We also have been book grouping the different books and discussing them at our meetings.

2024-12-12 00:08:13 UTC

We have been working on friendship bracelets and weaving.

Excited to get started...

2024-12-12 00:08:34 UTC

We just got enough kits for my huge class (thank you so much for giving us more!). With the chaos of the holidays, we are starting our journaling in the new year. However, I showed my students and their parents during conferences our kits and our plans and everyone is so excited!

we made it outside to do nature journaling last week and it was awesome!

2024-12-12 00:08:48 UTC

Martha and Heather have both been doing nature journaling with students, using the plant reflection cards, reading and reflecting on Native American stories, growing veggies, connecting with students, and lots of learning about cattle in Heather's class.

2024-12-12 00:09:45 UTC

Site Visit

2024-12-12 00:11:47 UTC

We had our site visit on 11/25 and it was very helpful to talk things through at the locations we were considering. We are exploring ideas of getting trail cameras to document the wildlife that passes through, as well as coming up with plans for collaboration between our high schoolers and elementary students. There is a plan to have the high schoolers come down to the elementary school and teach the elementary students how to collect some data. Nature journaling was also discussed in detail and how that can integrated into upcoming science units. Time and logistics are a challenge but we are working together to find solutions.

Nature journaling walks

2024-12-12 00:11:50 UTC

We have gone on two nature walks and the kids have loved writing in their journals. We had a tiny snafu with picking unidentified mushrooms but it turned into a great teachable experience. :)

Posted for teaching partner.

12/11/24 updates

cash37 — 2024-12-12 00:15:09 UTC

We have not had a site visit yet but have been incorporating nature journaling in some classes and have been working to flesh out our plan for the grant and get the ball rolling with admin approval for that.

The kids have LOVED nature journaling and ask for it every day but I am struggling with how to keep them quiet and focused during it.

2024-12-12 01:03:22 UTC

We have ambitions to read the books you gave us together and talk about them and complete a certain number of nature journal entries with classes as well as the plant cards with students.

Site Visit

2024-12-12 01:07:53 UTC

We has a site visit on Dec. 2nd. We have some big ideas and hoping to collaborate with community partners to create a learning garden space. The team of two teachers are doing monthly or more nature journaling in the classroom or on the school property. We are planning on creating more spaces with native plants and trees to observe in our spaces and building up our classroom nature kits with a grant. Very exciting! Lots to accomplish! ~Nícole

Plant Teaching Cards

ncamberg21 — 2024-12-12 04:56:20 UTC

We've been using them during our morning and closing circles with our classes. The students ask for them and love it! We also used them as a commitment exercise for our staff meeting. It's been a great addition to our SEL block.

Journaling

2025-01-09 00:12:54 UTC

Journal edition plant traits to see how the traits helped them survive in their environment.

Project update

2025-01-09 00:13:13 UTC

We have found a location for our project. We are hoping for a gazebo to have for an outdoor learning opportunity.

Pumpkin Jack Observation

2025-01-09 00:13:25 UTC

Our pumpkin decomposed completely and has grown little plants.

The students observed on their own and they are so very excited and discussing the lifecycle process on their own.

I have a nature table in my room and students love to find items to bring back and share with the class. Recently, they found a leaf that had all of its veins exposed, so we had a great impromptu discussion about it.

2025-01-09 00:17:10 UTC

2025-01-09 00:17:22 UTC

Continuing to build the routine of doing nature journaling as a class. Excited to re-fresh on the routine tomorrow after returning from winter break.

Pollination and Hugelkultur

2025-01-09 00:18:29 UTC

The first week back after break has been great. The weather has allowed us to be outside everyday with the students. Sunshine and fresh air. Good conversation. The 7th grade Horticulture and 12th grade Intro to Ag classes have been working on Hugelkultur building in the courtyard of our school. We have 15 raised beds that we are raising up from scratch.

Kinder through 6th will be learning about pollinators this month.. They have been very responsive to the lessons so far. So many good lessons with pollinators!

1/8/25

2025-01-09 00:18:39 UTC

One update I have from the elementary level is that the other 5th grade teachers are on board for working with the high schoolers and finding times for them to come down the hill to help us out with some scientific research. We are looking forward to that collaboration and having the chance to take the next step. The idea of getting trail cameras is still very intriguing and I want to spend some time exploring this option.

Heidi Lent

cristina345 — 2025-01-09 00:18:44 UTC

WE have not had a site visit here at WMS....I would prefer a site visit to Camp Kiwanilong as that is where our Outdoor School is held and I am the facilitator of that. I really like the Native American books and Plant Teachings - I feel comfortable in pulling things from those resources to share with our various teachers to enhance our curriculum.

I value the Nature Journaling and our students have found it to be quite fun at Outdoor School and I am working on training a new teacher on that this year.

Nature Journaling

2025-01-09 00:18:48 UTC

Took the students outside for nature journaling today, and only one of them got stinging nettles! Tomorrow we’re going to study some plants so we know what to avoid :)

2025-01-09 00:19:04 UTC

Our shed is built so more storage will be available for science activities.

Community engagement event is being planned. Trail signs have been received.

We currently are collaborating with a senior a the high school by hosting an egg to fish project.

cash37 — 2025-01-09 00:19:34 UTC

Original proposed site for our outdoor classroom. This site did not get approved but I do not have a photo of the final site.

cash37 — 2025-01-09 00:21:49 UTC

2025-01-09 00:33:26 UTC

New storage shed!

2025-03-12 22:09:03 UTC

1st and 2nd grade went out and observed the garlic that they planted in November. It was a good day outside. The magnifying glasses were used a lot today. So fun.

2025-03-12 22:09:33 UTC

2025-03-12 22:09:59 UTC

2025-03-12 23:44:07 UTC

Walking the trail with the students and allowing them to explore our nature surrounding.