There’s something calming, relaxing about the outdoors – walking, playing, learning out in nature.
On a perfect Central Texas afternoon under clear skies and 62-degree weather, fifth grade students at Skipcha Elementary School joined Principal Jane Apodaca and available teachers and staff members with some PTO volunteers to dedicate a new outdoor learning space.
Growing emotional as she spoke to the first group of students to step onto the newly completed outdoor learning stations at the rear of the school property, Apodaca recalled the power of learning in nature.
“Those are the lessons that stick with you,” she said.
She also praised the school’s PTO, which raised more than $25,000 in its annual fundraising, including about $18,000 that financed the new natural areas. PTO President Jonathon Ross and Treasurer Tia Sabo expressed excitement at the completed project.
Apodaca said she remembered seven years ago when she first drove up to Skipcha Elementary School as a brand-new principal.
She eyed the piece of unused playground, silently committing to making it a place where students could learn outside.
A sign installed earlier this week includes a map of the natural features.
Cards at each station encourage students to observe birds, plants, trees and rocks. At the center is a circular space with a large stump in the middle. The natural top of the stump appears to form a heart.
“The first time I ever drove onto Skipcha property I saw these trees and thought it would be a great place for an outdoor classroom,” the principal said. “It is a dream that this year became a reality thanks to our PTO and parents who donated.”
Looking across the area, she was most excited about the circular gathering space, something she sees usable for a variety of presentations and shared learning.
“It’s a circle so it’s all about the classroom community. That was originally what we wanted to do, and it expanded into this trail that walks through the trees. We came up with the idea to have stations that teachers can change out.”
There are boxes set up high on either end of the space – one meant for owls and one for bats.
There is also a fossil field and birdhouses.
“I’m looking forward to all the creativity teachers can use,” she said. “Teachers can use it. Kids can come and read quietly. They can listen to each other.”
Photo gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720323216411/
