I have been wondering recently about how to connect students to the places (environments/communities) that surround them on an ongoing and purposeful basis. I have questions about what would be the most meaningful type(s) of connection to the places that shape the lives in a relatively small rural elementary school. I think it is important that students engage in outdoor experiential learning and I believe that these activities are accessible to our students through school district facilities and opportunities but I am hoping to see change from the one off experience to the ongoing experience of the natural world and community that supports us. I think these questions are both logistical and philosophical. How do we get beyond the playground? (We can’t just walk down the road here) What are the meaningful places to which we return, explore and connect with? And why?

As student lives and learning take shape in their classrooms, I believe this is the starting point. What are the students and teacher connected to? What are they inquiring about? What big questions are being wrestled with that could be supported by getting out into the world on an ongoing basis? And, what are the ongoing connections that could or should be built?

As I see students explore places on the school grounds, guided by their teachers, to raise their attention to the environment in which they live, I am compelled to ask: “How can I support the broadening and deepening of these learning opportunities?” My inclination and experience is that having the conversation pushes the door open and moves wondering to action.