Westcot Elementary School, Westcot Road, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
How did we explore land-based learning during our practicums?
During my practicum, I was fortunate to have an outdoor place right outside my classroom. One lesson done in this space was focusing on the light, specifically the sun. It first began with students looking for light sources in the classroom and outdoors. Students were quick to point out the sun once outdoors. This got them thinking about the moon. They wondered if the moon was a light source. I explained that the moon reflects the sun and is not an actual light source. To further this understanding of this relationship, we read a Coast Salish story, “The Sun and Moon” that explained how the sun and moon came to be outdoors on our bench area. Students were quite interested and then separated into groups to narrate their own stories! This lesson showed me the impact of land-based learning. It allowed for higher engagement and connected the students to the land.
Some other examples of land-based learning where the students explored the land they lived on consist of measurement lessons. We explored our land by looking for objects to measure using non-standard units of measurement. The students looked through the forest and found many interesting things. Another day, students were asked to order materials found outside. Having this lesson outside, again allowed for higher engagement and students were able to grasp the concept.
