Mt Madonna Adds Outdoor Classrooms, By Leigh Ann Clifton

COMMUNITY NEWS Mt Madonna Adds Outdoor Classrooms

By Leigh Ann Clifton

There is something magical about We are living in a historic moment in learning outdoors, and Mount time, and Mount Madonna is committed Madonna School’s 375 acres of land to making a return to in-person, five-daysincludes groves of coastal redwoods and per-week school as safe as possible for live oaks, mountain meadows, chaparral, students, faculty and staff. Likewise, we and ponds. are determined to ensure that students

The ecological tapestry of biomes, thrive in our program, work daily on pracrich with diverse life forms, provides an ticing mindfulness, and develop grit and unmatched outdoor laboratory for our resiliency. educators to engage students in a broad Outdoor Learning variety of learning experiences and opportunities, from the art of crafting stories to M MS has offered outdoor learning for decades. At present, we are scientific inquiry and experimentation. expanding the opportunities for outdoor

Immersing students in nature and learning by creating a variety of spaces outdoor learning develops the whole equipped with the comforts found in student. Outdoor learning fuels the mind indoor classroom settings. and ignites all of the senses. Through Under the Big Oak Tree exploration and discovery, students naturally problem solve and build confidence. T his space provides ample room for students to physical distance, with flexible The sights, sounds, and evidence of life seating options. Using some recently stimulates curiosity and creativity in stufelled redwoods, we have milled stumps dents, and these firsthand experiences for seating. Extra desks and chairs will be strengthen students’ connections and their ordered for students who prefer to sit at a sense of responsibility to be good stewards desk and chair. Student-supplied, personal of Earth. camp-style chairs could also be an option

Meaningful educational experiences for students who prefer to bring their own encourage students to solve complex seating. problems, think critically about nuanced Existing Outdoor Classroom problems, and communicate ideas effectively. Many of us read Shakespeare’s T he existing upper campus outdoor classroom has been a favorite of students Hamlet sitting in rows in a classroom. for years. In this learning environment, Now, imagine reading Hamlet in a shady many students choose to sit on one of the redwood grove surrounded by the sights tree limbs as teachers lead class discussion and sounds of the outdoors. or supervise quiet reflection. Others choose

This type of learning experience to sit on the wooden benches, or prop themcaptures the imagination of students, selves against a nearby tree trunk. encourages discussions geared to critical Semi-permanent analysis of the text, and facilitates the cre ative expression of ideas. O ur weatherproof outdoor classrooms will be equipped with Wi-Fi, water

MMS is investing in quality education proof covering, traditional desks and to strengthen the mind, body, and hearts chairs, whiteboards, and data projectors. of our students. While many schools are For inclement weather, we have the ability grappling with space limitations, our to provide shelter by adding walls and school community is blessed by small class space heaters. sizes and generous outdoor acreage.

We have dedicated indoor classrooms for each grade, and currently, we are designing and building seven additional outdoor classrooms as well as an outdoor amphitheater. Educators and students will have choice and flexibility in where they learn.

Like indoor classrooms, our outdoor classrooms will be furnished and equipped with shade structures, whiteboards, Wi-Fi technology and data projectors. Physical distancing is possible when learning under the big oak tree. A semi-permanent outdoor classroom will be equipped with Wi-Fi and data projectors.

Amphitheater Progress

Work is happening every day on the mountain. This week, wall blocks are being installed in the amphitheater to create seating for our enthusiastic performing arts supporters. This space will also serve as an outdoor classroom. n •••

To view the amphitheater construction go to https://youtu.be/D5JFYWMBOyM