While the world continues to step further into the digital realm, Westwood Elementary is taking a step back into nature with the opening of its outdoor learning center. Located in what was once just a grassy area, the space is dedicated to allowing kids to be outside, work interactively, and be creative.
“Over the past few years, the trend is that kids don’t get outside as much anymore,” Principal Kristin Moffitt said. “Especially now that we have been cooped up for six months, I think this piece is huge for them to get out and have a variety of options for creative play and learning how to work and play together.”
Students visit the center with their class during scheduled times either for recess or a class lesson. The space is covered in kiddie mulch and includes outdoor Legos, a rock-climbing wall, toy trucks, tic tac toe, tires, a fairy garden, tree cookies, a swing, wood pieces, an art space, a music space, a weaving area, and boulders. Each of these areas was carefully researched by Moffitt and her committee while they planned.
“We researched [outdoor learning centers] over the past year to see what students liked and what other schools were doing,” Moffitt said. “We wanted to be sure it was more cooperative play than they can get at a normal jungle gym.”
Their research has proven effective as students work together to build, create and play. As Moffitt spoke, she looked onward to a group of five boys who were working together to build a ship out of the outdoor Legos.
“I love watching them create,” she stated. “When I see there’s kids out here, I will just come out here and watch to see what they are interested in. Just like right now, I don’t know what they’re building but that group of boys working together is so exciting.”
Moffitt said the response from the students has been incredible.
“They love it,” she said. “I love seeing them laugh and smile and act out things. That is a bright spot in my day.”
Though the center already has much to offer, there are plans for continued expansion as the center is in phase one of three. As the space itself grows, Moffitt said she hopes to see continued growth within the students.
“I would love to see that this risk-taking, cooperative learning, and teambuilding carries with these students throughout their schooling,” she stated. “The end game is for them to just come out here and feel empowered, to work together, to be together as a classroom community.”
She continued.
“I would love for all elementary schools in our District to have an outdoor learning space,” Moffitt said. “It is a nice fire to spread out for other districts and other schools to have something like this.”