Six Mile Elementary Outdoor learning space by Patricia Whitener

pwhiten — 2023-12-01 00:32:28 UTC

https://www.clemson.edu/extension/school-community-gardening/school-gardening/for-educators.html

pwhiten — 2023-12-01 00:41:47 UTC

you can rename sections, move around, add images, comments, links...this is your vision board

pwhiten — 2023-12-01 00:43:21 UTC

This is a shade predominate space with a water feature. Would make a great meditation garden for staff as well as students who are emotionally dysregulated

pwhiten — 2023-12-01 11:59:16 UTC

This area could also be used for reading. It would definitely be a quiet space. Would like to have access through the library and possibly a classroom.

How will this space be utilized?

pwhiten — 2023-12-01 12:02:56 UTC

*extend cover/shade

*has some existing plantings & birdhouses

*picnic tables (too small and rough)

Learning stations aligned to standards

pwhiten — 2023-12-01 12:03:55 UTC

Interpretive signage for learning stations

pwhiten — 2023-12-07 16:42:33 UTC

Pollinator Education

2023-12-11 17:31:26 UTC

Clemson Extension School & Community Gardening offers a companion course to this lesson. Our non-profit partner, The Bee Cause Project offers Habitat Grants in conjunction with this training. The BCP has standards aligned curriculum that taps into reading and STEM as well!

Bee A Friend to Pollinators Online Course

2023-12-11 17:33:43 UTC

Musical feature

2023-12-13 18:26:50 UTC

Some kind of wall or structure with items attached for children to explore with sound (e.g pots and pans)

Connections

2023-12-13 18:28:07 UTC

Perhaps including markers for compass work

Geocaching

Being sure to include local plantings here

Ampitheater?

2023-12-13 18:29:02 UTC

Is this a space where you might consider dramatic play, reader's theater, dance/music experiences, etc?

Learning Hub

2023-12-13 18:29:56 UTC

If it is covered- you could put some dry erase boards here to allow for recording of ideas as children are engaging in a problem/task

To consider

pwhiten — 2023-12-13 19:40:09 UTC

what is the purpose/intended use for the space?
what are the dimensions and existing features?
what additional features are needed for the space to be utilized for its intended purpose?
how do these outdoor learning spaces rank in priority? what phase does each outdoor space fit on the project timeline?
what features will make each space most adaptable across grade levels (or are you going to have designated space for use by specific grades only)?
Is there a "champion" or lead assigned for each learning space? (design, installation, maintenance, teaching coordination, etc.)

water feature

pwhiten — 2023-12-13 19:41:12 UTC

Music garden

2024-01-18 20:07:32 UTC

Added to new preschool playground

2024-01-18 20:10:43 UTC

Knock a wall down in library that leads out here

Garage door like access from current first grade room that would lead out there

Soft seating for independent reading

Stepping stones with printed pages from children's books

-Area would be used as an independent reading area.

2024-01-18 20:11:15 UTC

Sheltered area for reading.

2024-01-18 20:12:39 UTC

2024-01-18 20:12:45 UTC

Hammocks for reading or as a way to calm down

swings

2024-01-18 20:12:55 UTC

2024-01-18 20:14:58 UTC

Outdoor exploration center for 3K-1st grade

2024-01-18 20:17:48 UTC

This area would be used for students to promote creativity and problem solving outside.

School wide garden

2024-01-18 20:19:29 UTC

Design Ideas

jennifertrotter — 2024-01-18 20:20:37 UTC

--This area is our best spot for studying stream and forest ecology. All grade levels use the space for science, social studies, and reading.

--possibly include a low-level ropes course at upper end of the trail

--bring in new tables for picnicking and to use as outdoor lab space

--labels and signage for indigenous and invasive plants (color coded?)

--standing platforms interspersed along the sides of the trail

--better path down to stream

--need access to pond area on far end of trail

--continue paved walkway down to trail entrance, for handicap access

--yearly maintenance to keep underbrush cut back and poison ivy at bay

2024-01-18 20:23:27 UTC

Purchase ideas-

Chain link fence with a gate or natural tree perimeter

colorful shade

Treehouse

fairy garden

Garden maze or pallet maze

wooden stump or balance boards

sensory table (water, sand, dirt)

string lights

cube chair

This is an area that could be used by all grades for many reasons!

2024-01-18 20:23:32 UTC

How it would be used--> standards for how plants grow, parts of a plant, what plants need to survive. Life cycle of ladybugs, praying mantis and their benefit to plants (eating aphids)

Raised beds

Straw bales for planting on

Tools for working in the garden area

Greenhouse for longer growing or seedling starting

For older grade levels, heriloom vegetable varieties, dryings seeds

Teaching space--> rulers, containers, writing utensils, outdoor seating (maybe out of logs or something rustic)

Small moveable 'stools' to place around raised beds/straw bales for observations

Community connection-->local farmers come in and speak or donate items. local artists for stakes/labels.

Related arts-->Art could also help make signs/labels for plants. Library could help with research for growing seasons and when to plant, etc.

Big picture--> possible (Indian Runner) duck for bug/pest control.

Year round working garden to help students see the finished product. From beginning to end. Being able to grow enough of one crop (ex. grape tomatoes) to be able to give to the lunchroom to be used for lunch one day.

2024-01-18 20:24:29 UTC

helpful for students to understand where food comes from.