This outdoor space is a short 500m walk from an elementary school through a greenspace- which is often muddy so wear your boots! It is a man-made duck pond which has been a common meeting area for this community since it’s creation.
For many, this duck pond is a little slice of nature in a busy part of Surrey. Hidden away, this is a place where many of the students have gone for outdoor exploration with their families. They may tell you about the winter where they went down the big hill on a sled, when they first rode their bike around the pond, or a family picnic where a duck stole their sandwich. It is a place of calm and connecting with nature. The senses pick up on the crisp air, and the sounds of nature. You see the constant changing of the seasons, and the cycles that plants and animals take.
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This space has two “beaches” where students can get up close to the water and ducks (and other birds that visit), a large rock which is the subject to many photos and a wonderful walking path around. It has its own “forest,” a grouping of trees that has been thinned for more visibility and for the health of the plants growing inside. On any given day you may see the community (it is close to a 55+ community) practicing Tai Chi, sailing their miniature/model boats or contributing to the community library.
The value of this natural place is immense. Students love to visit and explore with their class. They love the ability to connect with nature, see neighbours and animals. They always have so many questions when visiting, which can lead to explorations and learning both inside and outside of a classroom. Students are able to connect with the First Peoples’ Principle of Learning: Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors. They can specifically connect with the community and the land as they begin to understand the responsibilities they have in the community and to the environment around them.
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Building and Exploring Birds Nests
Students can construct their own birds nests made up of items they find (on the ground already) that they think are good options for birds nests. They can then observe each other's birds nests and discuss which materials are used in their construction. |
Exploring the Plants Around Us
Students can learn about the natural environment around us by observing, and helping to grow plants. They can learn about the types, and the parts of the plants by being apart of natural growth. |
Finding Shapes Outside
Shapes are all around us outside! Students can also make shapes using materials they find outside. Sticks and stones can make two and three-dimensional shapes that students can use to explore geometry in an outdoor setting. |
Measuring Natural Objects
Students can make and measure natural imprints outside, and use other materials to learn how they represent non-standard units of measurement. Students can also compare the different depth of snowfall each week (or day) by measuring it. |