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Union’s outdoor classroom gets a clean-up
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In the winter, Union Elementary's outdoor classroom gets grown over with brush and weeds, nature takes its course. For the larger pieces of debris, volunteers Mark Masaki (left) and Scott Bonhoff added some muscle to the spring clean-up team on April 2.
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The spring clean-up team, including school administrators, teachers, students, parents, and even Linda Watts' dog Bella (center), were happy to give some new life to Union's outdoor classroom on the morning of April 2.
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The Union students weren't required to do much heavy lifting during the clean-up project, but helped with moving sticks and branches to the trash. They enjoyed some delicious donuts as thanks for the hard work.
By SARAH FOOR
On April 2, the air had a chill, but a hardworking group at Union Elementary was already looking forward to spring.
That morning, the group spent a few busy hours preparing the school’s outdoor classroom for a new season filled with hands-on learning.
The classroom, which stretches behind the school and playground, was dedicated in 2008, and offers Union students a chance to learn science and other concepts while enjoying nature. The space features a circle of benches where classrooms can assemble, bird feeders, flowers, motion activated cameras to observe wildlife and winding paths for the students to explore.
The winter does take its toll on the classroom, however. The Spring Clean-Up brought students, parents, teachers, administrators and PTO representatives together to clean up overgrown brush and trees. The team also placed another bench for students to use.
Union teacher Linda Watts has supported the project since it began three years ago.
“I’m so proud that it’s our space,” Watts shared of the outdoor learning area. “The kids get to close their books and learn by doing, and it’s available to use for any Union classroom. It gives the kids a wonderful green space that is all theirs.”
The outdoor classroom is used for activities in all seasons and the space is adaptable to the needs of Union students and teachers. Although there is a great focus on science, Watts said nature is encouraging, especially to young readers and writers.
“When the leaves grow again in the spring, the outdoor classroom really becomes this private oasis,” said Watts. “It’s not just another recess for the kids — it’s an amazing learning experience and they’re gaining a great appreciation for the environment.”