Outdoor Classroom
Nature classrooms facilitate children’s hands-on learning experiences, which incorporate key disciplines while creating an inviting learning space in the natural world. There are numerous benefits of having a sustainable outdoor nature classroom. Not only does this classroom connect students with the environment but it also offers lessons and activities that have been shown to develop creativity and problem-solving skills, stimulates cognition and understanding through the physical manipulation of objects, and improves readiness skills in numerous areas. Students are inspired to ask questions and seek answers through research and observation. Students observe a diverse ecosystem first-hand, discover connections between themselves and others, contribute to the growth of healthy foods from seed to table, and apply concepts learned in multiple academic areas.
Our outdoor classroom includes gardening, open areas for movement such as yoga classes, natural art space, music and circle time space, and gathering areas for a multitude of disciplines including Language Arts, Math, Science, relaxation, one-to-one lessons, etc. Using all the senses in the garden and refining observation skills, noticing what you see, hear, smell, taste, feel, students will become more connected to the world around them and develop an appreciation for the beauty and abundance of the natural world. The experiential learning afforded to our entire school community through the garden is intended to instill an appreciation of the environment and it’s integral role in humanity and ignite the spark to continue learning and exploring the natural world.
The “Celebrate the Children Celebrates Nature” Project connects solidly to our school philosophy of an interdisciplinary approach to learning through the DIR® model in a comprehensive school program.
Our outdoor classroom includes gardening, open areas for movement such as yoga classes, natural art space, music and circle time space, and gathering areas for a multitude of disciplines including Language Arts, Math, Science, relaxation, one-to-one lessons, etc. Using all the senses in the garden and refining observation skills, noticing what you see, hear, smell, taste, feel, students will become more connected to the world around them and develop an appreciation for the beauty and abundance of the natural world. The experiential learning afforded to our entire school community through the garden is intended to instill an appreciation of the environment and it’s integral role in humanity and ignite the spark to continue learning and exploring the natural world.
The “Celebrate the Children Celebrates Nature” Project connects solidly to our school philosophy of an interdisciplinary approach to learning through the DIR® model in a comprehensive school program.
A Special Thanks To...
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My Local GardenWanda has assisted CTC from the beginning to plan, develop, implement & GROW our School Garden! She donated her time and vast expertise throughout the early phases of development and implementation and has continued supporting our staff through our PALS Grant funding as our Grant Partner teaching us to CONNECT with Nature and GROW our own food! Be sure to check out her website and all her great work throughout the greater community with Universities, Community Gardens, Non-Profits, and Environmental Organizations!
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ANJEE & PSEGCTC is the proud recipient of the ANJEE/PSEG PALS GRANT (PSEG - ANJEE Learners in Sustainability). PALS is a partnership between PSEG and ANJEE designed to create and sustain partnerships between non-formal and formal educators that engages New Jersey K-5 students in authentic learning ("learning by doing") and increasing the sustainability of our communities. Our grant, “Celebrate the Children Celebrates Nature” began with our “My Local Garden” partner presenting “Train the Trainer” professional development sessions. These Environmental Education sessions continued throughout the project. Training included biodiversity in nature through the use of our garden and outdoor classroom throughout the four seasons. The emphasis focused on the importance of the interconnectedness of humans and nature and developing environmentally literate staff and students. EE training has supported staff to become confident and enthusiastic about the use of the garden as a tool to transfer this expertise and passion from their classroom’s and all subject and related service areas into the natural world. Through this grant we also built an EE Library and purchased Garden Equipment and Supplies for staff and student utilization.
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Whole Kids FoundationCelebrate the Children School Garden is the proud recipient of the WHOLE KIDS FOUNDATION – FOOD CORPS School Garden Grant. This program is a collaboration between Whole Kids Foundation and FoodCorps. A school garden is a vital educational tool—every seed planted sprouts a new opportunity for kids to cultivate healthy eating habits! Teaching kids to garden helps them learn about complex topics like sustainability and conservation, food systems, and community awareness.
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CTC PTOThrough funds raised and contributed by the CTC PTO we have installed an irrigation system in the CTC Garden and Outdoor Classroom. This system is instrumental in keeping our garden thriving. School hours and yearly schedules make it difficult to water plants on a consistent basis. The irrigation system coupled with an automatic timer makes this possible throughout the seasons.
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