Learning in Action:
Sherbrooke Academy Junior Embraces the Outdoors
by Marilyn Santucci
At Sherbrooke Academy Junior, learning isn’t confined to the classroom. Students venture into forests, gardens, and other outdoor spaces, connecting with nature while staying active. Through hands-on activities and immersive experiences, they engage with the world around them, making education both dynamic and exciting.
Outdoor Activities Include:
- Outdoor Play: Students enjoy free play in nature, creating recipes in the mud kitchen, building imaginative structures with tires, and discovering how the outdoors sparks both fun and learning.
Scavenger Hunt: Young explorers search the forest for hidden treasures like rocks, leaves, and birds, learning observation and teamwork skills along the way.- Sink or Float: Students predict whether leaves, pinecones, and rocks will sink or float, then test their ideas through hands-on experiments.
Storytime: Children gather in a circle to listen to engaging stories, fostering imagination and a love for reading.- Nature Art: Using leaves, pinecones, and pebbles, students create unique portraits, patterns, and collages inspired by the natural world.
Math in the Leaves: Students collect and sort leaves by size and color, combining outdoor exploration with math skills.- Nature Detectives: Equipped with magnifying glasses, students investigate tiny details in leaves, rocks, and soil, learning to observe the world closely.
- Plant, Learn & Grow: Gardening all year round, students plant seeds and watch them grow, gaining hands-on knowledge about plants and ecosystems.
- Nature Bracelets: Students collect small natural items like moss, petals, and leaves to design one-of-a-kind bracelets, blending creativity with nature exploration.
“Outdoor learning isn’t just about playing outside; it’s about taking the lessons outside. It helps boost confidence and social-emotional well-being. We’ve seen noticeable improvements in how students focus, especially those who might have ADHD. Learning outdoors also fosters relationships and encourages collaboration,” says Christine Donald, Principal at Sherbrooke Academy Junior.
Sherbrooke Academy Junior believes that connecting with nature teaches students more than academics—it nurtures curiosity, resilience, and a sense of responsibility for the environment. From observing seasonal changes to discovering the life cycles of plants and insects, students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. These experiences help instill lifelong skills, from problem-solving and creativity to teamwork and empathy, all while enjoying the benefits of fresh air and physical activity.
One Response
What a wonderful community for the kids. Who doesn’t enjoy being outside
Congratulations to Sherbrooke Academy
Continue your excellent program