![]() With our children spending so much time inside 4 walls in our public schools, outdoor learning has become a hot topic, and more and more schools are joining in the movement of gifting their school yards with these nature-filled, life-enhancing play areas in the last few years. There are many obvious benefits to the outdoor classroom over spending time in doors which, if you’re reading this, you're likely already aware of. Therefore, the purpose of today's blog will not be centered on the why, but the how of getting a naturalization space off the ground at your local public school. Having been involved with school councils and outdoor learning for over a decade now, I have compiled a list of some basic tips to get you started on your journey. ![]() Find Your People This first step can be as simple as being more present in school activities and getting to know the other parents and guardians who have a vested interest in their child’s education. You may not be able to attend many parent council meetings, but staying in tune with regular events is a great way to start up conversations with like-minded parents. Find those who also appreciate the outdoors and the positive impact it can have on learning, health and the overall growth of our youngsters. These folks may also have insights as to the history of the school and whether these types of ideas have been attempted in the past. They may additionally have connections to knowledgeable people who can lend a helping hand. Attend School Council Meetings In my experience, there are those who attend as many school council meetings as they can, and then there are those who will never attend. Unless you have a very close friend who can be a voice and who is able to be present at these meetings, you will likely have to make an appearance in at least a few. This is where you may bring up the new business of an outdoor learning space to your peers. Make sure it becomes part of the discussion in ongoing meetings. Hold people accountable. If you are unable to attend many meetings, it is a good idea to stay in the loop by signing up on your school council’s email list and subscribe to the school newsletter. Involvement and communication is the key! ![]() Form a Subcommittee This point is not an absolute must, but will be a tremendous help in moving things forward at a quicker pace. A subcommittee will usually consist of a smaller group of parents who regularly attend the school council meetings. Choose members who are able to meet more than once a month, when needed, and who are dedicated from the get-go. It is also beneficial when some of these folks have certain skill sets that can be tapped into, such as grant-writing experience and strong communication,/typing skills, etc. Secure Your Funding Although you do not need to have the full roster of funds established before you start, it very wise to have some idea of where the moneys to support your project will come from. Again, this is where grant writing experience comes in handy, and there are usually a fair number of parents who possess these skills in every school. There are also regular fund-raising drives happening throughout the school year, involving everything from raffles to casinos and more, so stay connected to the parent association or any group responsible for making these events happen, and keep them abreast of your requirements. ![]() Find a Good Designer This step can happen anywhere along your journey, but if you haven’t yet, now is the time to find a trustworthy designer. Ideally, this would be someone who shares the same vision as the members involved in the project. Experience with kids and what makes them tick, would also be a tremendous asset. Make sure they are able to meet with you on a regular basis, whether it be to provide some ideas, give a presentation to a group or to make walk-along observations of the site with you. There are many eager designers especially in the field of permaculture and regenerative landscaping who are passionate about the future of our young ones, and you will know when they are a fit for your school! My personal vision is that every school in Calgary (and abroad) starts working toward more and more naturalized areas as reasons for the children to spend time outdoors, whether for the purposes of formal learning or play and exploration. I hope that this article has brought to light a few steps as a guide to make easier your journey toward more natural areas for our children to enjoy.
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Author:Ted Bahr is the founder of Prairie Sage Permaculture. MORE Archives
April 2023
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