School garden becomes outdoor classroom

Sometimes we may be doing outdoor learning related to nature, doing science type activities, learning about plants and insects. What started as a teacher-led garden in 2016 has grown to an outdoor oasis of learning on previously underutilized outside space. Maybe the outdoors could be used in other ways for other classes as well, like math and art and anything really. You can do your morning circles there, you can have discussions, you can monitor and collect data from the other components of this learning environment. This classroom without walls is challenging teachers and students to literally think outside the box. Mrs. Sampio's fourth grade class didn't need a smart board for math. We did set the expectations before they came out that while it is outdoors, we are still in a classroom, so our classroom rules still apply. The students paid attention and the lesson flew by. I think the benefit of the fresh air and being outdoors really shows. From the colorful mural painted years ago to these wooden tables and the pavers they sit on, nothing has gotten here without help. People show up in Lancaster, they show up and they support and they give not just of their finances but also of their time and their effort. There's a mindfulness trail, a pollination garden, shade trees and native plants, all aimed to inspire students. We can help them be engaged, we can help them want to come to school. This is wonderful. And I look forward to continuing to utilize this space to help my students succeed. In Lancaster, Meredith Jorgensen, WGAL News 8.