Thinking outside the walls at Alexander School
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/09/2014 (4188 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A recently created outdoor space at Alexander School will help provide learning opportunities beyond the four walls of a classroom, according to the school’s principal.
“The students are excited to use the outdoor classroom,” Shelley Cords said via email. “It is used during break times as well as after-school hours.”
The learning space on the school grounds forms a miniature amphitheatre where teachers can instruct students while they’re surrounded by the outdoors.
Classes can be seated in two stages of elevation on boulders sunken into the berm platform.
Trees planted around the north, east and west sides of the area add shade on sunny days and provide a shield from wind and noise. Shrubs and grasses have also been planted at the top of the berm facing the road to the south.
Cords explained the plants chosen are low maintenance and although watering will be required, the perennial grasses, shrubs and trees only need to be maintained once or twice a year.
The variations of plant life, leaf colour and growing habits also present the chance for students to learn the importance, function and beauty of nature, Cords said.
A variety of plants, shrubs and the various bark colours are all chances to show students examples of what nature has to offer.
The outdoor learning space on the school grounds is built around the school’s sculpture project, which was unveiled nearly a year ago.
More than 80 students and staff members designed and created their own clay tile with help from the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba. Some of the clay tiles feature animals and other special mosaic designs that are meaningful to each student.
The tiles were later attached to a cement piece, poured by a local company, and pieces of metal make up the top portion of the sculpture, which was placed near the school’s playground.
“Overall, this area provides learning and comfort for students, staff and all others who use it,” Cords said. “It has been a great addition to the school both for functionality, but also esthetic appeal.”
The sculpture and the outdoor learning space were made possible through an Education for Sustainable Development Grant from Manitoba Education, as well as local donations.
» lenns@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @LindseyEnns