Spring Appreciation

Spring. The ultimate season for nature kindergarten. The time of year where months of practice, play, and patience come to fruition. The time where we live outside. In my public school, I aim to utilize as much nature-based methodology as possible. However, the constraints of the position don’t always allow for true nature-based teaching and learning to thrive. It is more nature-infused.

However, in spring, nature-based learning truly comes to life right along with the prairie plants we put in the ground the preceding fall.

Our 4 Ps philosophy comes to life. Of course, we play a lot. We engage in project-based citizen science, analyzing our trail camera captures, checking nest boxes, and birding for the Great Wisconsin Birdathon. We zoom in on place-based service learning, puling invasive plants like garlic mustard, learning about the prairie plants we are adding in our restoration work. We also choose personalized service learning opportunities by woodchipping the trail or designing new nature play areas.

In spring, we appreciate nature with new eyes.

In spring, we appreciate the time and effort it takes to get to this point.

In spring, we appreciate the opportunity to call the outdoors our classroom.