learning – Tracie's Treasures

Today marks an exciting milestone as our project progresses. We eagerly awaited the crew to start building the new classroom and took the time to reflect on our hard work over the past few months. We designed and constructed vegetable raised beds and carefully relocated our various wildlife habitats. We discussed the effort we’ve put in, knowing it will be worthwhile when the new building is complete.

Jack and Elliott talked about all the different bugs we found while moving everything, sharing their discoveries with excitement and curiosity. Lottie chimed in, mentioning that there had been too many big spiders lurking in the corners, which made her a bit uneasy, but she gazed at the butterflies flitting gracefully around the flowers with pure delight, admiring their vibrant colors and delicate patterns. The trio spent hours discussing their favorite insects, and while some found creepy crawlies repulsive, they all agreed that nature’s beauty was unique and captivating, especially when it came to the fluttering wings of those enchanting butterflies.

This is the area where the classroom will be built, its dimensions measuring 17 feet by 8 feet. The design emphasizes sustainability, as it will be constructed entirely out of wood, carefully selected for its quality and durability. Furthermore, everything in the classroom, from the walls to the fixtures, will be made using recycled materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact. This includes the doors and windows, which will not only add character to the space but also promote eco-friendliness. The project aims to create an inspiring learning environment that highlights the importance of recycling and sustainability for future generations.

The van packed with wooden materials, ready for the construction of a sustainable classroom.

Holly and Jack stood quietly, gazing at the garden as it is for the last time, remembering countless hours spent planting flowers, nurturing the soil, and watching their hard work bloom into vibrant colors.

We started our project by having lots of different discussions around our hopes and dreams of our Classroom I involved my family, staff and the children. I am making sure every one within the setting will be involved in the project.

We used various types of planning discussions, this included active discussions, where we discussed what the main outcome will be and how we are going to get there. We used critical thinking discussions to include challenges that may come up, (moving the bug house) and how we are going to source the materials. Active learning discussions to include why, where and what we are doing and included continuous feedback with all who is involved. (Family, Staff and children)

We all got emerged and excited participating in lots of different fun learning activities. We designing our own treehouses, had a Bug log moving day, Storytime in the garden about the bad tempered ladybird (we made up our own reasons why she would be bad tempered if she knew we were moving her home) , we completed a Wildlife audit so we could make sure all our mini beasts are protected and have a temporary home until we can place them into a permanent position.

Everything about the project we were mindful to include the 17 sustainability goals https://sdgs.un.org/goals we did this through constant discussions within the planning process by deciding about how we are going to be energy efficient, collecting and using recycled materials, location and construction, waste reduction and water conservation.

We had fun talking about our perfect dream treehouse, Jack wanted a tall building so he could use a Zip wire to travel from the tree top to the house. This made us use problem solving skills as I explained you can’t use a zip wire to get back up! Jack said ‘ thats what the door is for!” how silly of me not to think of that! Lottie wanted a big funfair, this caused a discussion on power and we came to the conclusion it would not be easy using solar with all the power it would take up. Lottie decided to have a Unicorn play area instead. (much more manageable!) Elliott wants a slide which I thought would be fun. Jack reminded us we can use the door to go into the classroom to get to the slide and the zip wire. Gemma had an idea to make the classroom out of a greenhouse, unfortunately we all thought it would be too hot to play in, in the summertime.

The amazing dream everyone had was to make sure we still had areas in the garden for bugs, birds, vegetables, fruit and flower growing. This reinforced to me that we are all on the same wavelength and all the activities we provide are being absorbed by the children.

Tag: learning

Starting Day of Our Garden Classroom

Planning The ‘Garden Classroom’ With The Children