Highgate Elementary: Cultivating Learning Through Nature’s Classroom

Highgate Elementary Builds Outdoor Classroom, Emphasizes Hands-On Learning

A New Approach to Education

Highgate Elementary, located in the Missisquoi Valley School District, has taken a step towards fostering a unique and innovative learning environment by constructing an outdoor classroom. This newly built space, funded by the district’s federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief money, aims to provide students with more opportunities for hands-on learning and engagement with the natural world.

A Community Resource

Principal Yeshua Pastina envisions the outdoor classroom as a “community classroom” that can be accessed not only by students but also by members of the local community. Located on the recess fields, halfway between the school and Route 78, this wooden, pavilion-like structure serves as a resource for both educational purposes and community gatherings. Its strategic placement invites students and community members to explore and learn in a natural setting.

Project-Based Learning

Highgate Elementary is known for its commitment to project-based learning, an instructional approach that allows students to develop essential knowledge and skills by engaging in projects that mirror real-world challenges. Unlike traditional methods where students are asked to complete separate assignments to demonstrate their understanding, project-based learning places emphasis on the project itself as the driving force behind learning.

Principal Pastina explains that in the past, students might have been assigned a poster project to summarize what they had learned. However, in the current educational landscape, the project itself becomes the catalyst for learning. By incorporating the outdoor classroom into this approach, students can explore hands-on activities and experiences that connect to their projects while immersing themselves in nature.

Environmental Education in Action

In collaboration with Kurt Valenta of Exordium, the Missisquoi Valley School District offers environmental education and natural science programming in each of its schools. Valenta has already begun utilizing the outdoor classroom for some of his lessons this fall. Students have had the opportunity to observe and classify leaves and bugs, as well as engage in discussions about the history and purpose of the Highgate Dam.

Research from the Harvard Graduate School of Education has consistently shown that outdoor learning can have significant benefits for student mental health and academic performance. Students tend to be calmer and more focused when learning in nature, and teachers have reported improved behavior and social interactions, resulting in fewer disciplinary issues. The combination of experiential learning and the calming effect of nature creates a conducive environment for student growth and development.

A Philosophical Perspective

The integration of the outdoor classroom at Highgate Elementary raises important questions about the role of nature in education. As technology continues to take center stage in classrooms across the country, ensuring that students have opportunities to connect with the natural world becomes paramount. The outdoor classroom symbolizes a shift towards recognizing the importance of nature-based education and the long-lasting impact it can have on students’ overall well-being.

The philosophy behind the outdoor classroom aligns with the Canadian cultural value of preserving and appreciating the natural environment. Canada’s vast landscapes, abundant wildlife, and commitment to sustainability make it a perfect backdrop for educational initiatives that emphasize connections to nature. By embracing the outdoor classroom, Highgate Elementary is not only providing its students with a unique learning experience but also reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship.

Editorial: Cultivating Learning in Nature’s Classroom

An Investment in Student Well-being

The construction of Highgate Elementary’s outdoor classroom is a commendable investment in the well-being of students. By incorporating nature into the learning environment, the school acknowledges the benefits that outdoor experiences can bring to students’ mental health and academic performance. The outdoor classroom provides a space for students to engage with nature, fostering a sense of wonder, curiosity, and connection to the world around them.

Fostering Environmental Stewardship

The outdoor classroom not only benefits students but also serves as a symbol of the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship. By providing a space where both students and community members can learn and connect with nature, Highgate Elementary is fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment. This initiative serves as a reminder that preserving and appreciating the natural world is not just an academic pursuit but also a moral and ecological imperative.

Recommendations for Other Schools

The success of Highgate Elementary’s outdoor classroom should inspire other schools to consider similar initiatives. Creating outdoor learning spaces not only enriches the curriculum but also helps students develop a deep and personal connection with nature. Schools across Canada should explore opportunities to integrate more outdoor classrooms and nature-based learning experiences into their educational programs.

Furthermore, partnerships with environmental educators, like Kurt Valenta, should be encouraged. These collaborations enhance the learning experience by providing students with specialized knowledge and expertise in environmental science and conservation. By tapping into the expertise of environmental professionals, schools can expand the depth and breadth of their curriculum, ensuring students are well-equipped to become future environmental stewards.

In conclusion, the outdoor classroom at Highgate Elementary represents a shift towards holistic learning experiences that combine academic knowledge with hands-on exploration and engagement with nature. The success of this initiative serves as a testament to the value of nature-based education and its potential to positively impact student well-being and environmental stewardship. Highgate Elementary has set a commendable example that other schools should strive to follow, as they cultivate learning in nature’s classroom.