School unveils new outdoor classroom

Education

Sep 20

The Potter's House has opened the TPH Outdoor Classroom, an innovative outdoor learning space designed to deepen the immersive learning experiences of students in the Wonder Academy. The natural classroom will serve as an extension of the Wonder Academy's project-based and place-based curriculum, where students will engage in hands-on learning about their immediate environment and community.

The TPH Outdoor Classroom will be utilized by the Wonder Academy almost every day. Wonder Academy Teacher Kathy DeJong said students will maintain and care for the space throughout the school year while also sharing it with other classrooms.

"The TPH Outdoor Classroom enhances our existing studies in so many ways. Many of Wonder's projects involve learning about our community, and this space will help us get to know our neighbors, the wildlife, plants, Plaster Creek, and Roosevelt Park even better. This space creates a connection between students and their environment," said DeJong.

The new outdoor space is not just for academic learning. It's also a place where students can reflect, meditate, and experience nature firsthand.

According to DeJong, both teachers and students are eager to incorporate quiet moments for reflection, study, and community-building activities into their outdoor lessons.

"We know this space will show us new things about our community and ourselves. It's a blessing to have a classroom that satisfies everyone's need for fresh air, movement, and adventure. Whether students are journaling, studying nature, or simply enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, this space will be used to foster intellectual, personal and spiritual growth," DeJong said.

Students are already excited about the possibilities that the TPH Outdoor Classroom offers.

Wonder Academy student Megan can't wait to start caring for the garden and growing vegetables, "I'm excited about gardening more and being outside during all the seasons. It's going to make learning more fun,” she said.

The new learning environment is also designed to promote collaboration, creativity, and community. Students like Gabby are looking forward to the opportunity to work with younger students through mentorship projects.

"I'm excited to spend time outside more. It's a new experience for the whole class. I believe we will connect with each other in a new way, and I'm looking forward to helping create the spaces and working on the projects outdoors," Gabby said.