Learning is connected to the land, culture and spirit. We must always practice reciprocity through acts of giving and receiving (Aboriginal Ways of Knowing and Being)

This month South Nelson acknowledged Earth Day in various ways. It was a continual theme throughout many different units of study. 

Kindergarten/Gr. 1 students were looking out for signs of spring! They learned about how the seasons change and were watching for the trees and flowers to open and bud. They learned about all the animals that come to life and did some artwork on the birds and butterflies we are starting to see around. 

Grade ½ students read an Earth Day chapter book and discussed actionable ways we can make a difference for our planet. Students discussed recycling, composting (and the importance of worms!), energy saving, carpooling, and the impact of plastics on our environment and all living things. They also made a collaborative art piece "We Love Our Dear Mother Earth" created and titled by students–a reminder that every day is Earth Day! Our Gr. ½ students also are responsible for our ongoing foodcycling program and raise awareness of this on a weekly basis!

Our Grade ¾ Classes held many discussions about stewardship and how to care for the land around us. They learned some fascinating (and worrisome) facts about plastic in our world. The kids wrote a comic strip story stating a problem with garbage or plastic and a solution. Later, they also drew or wrote at least three ways they could be good stewards of the earth in their Outdoor Learning Journals. We are expanding their thinking beyond the “pick up garbage” answer that many of them like to give.   

Students also had some time to reflect on what the earth provides for us, and what they are grateful for. They learned how to manage these resources responsibly as we interact with the environment on a daily basis. Students also researched various types of biomes around the world and are in process of making dioramas to demonstrate all of the key features of each biome.  

As a summative activity, students wrote a letter of gratitude to the earth along with a picture of the things they value most. Our Gr. ¾ students take the lead with our recycling program and weekly collect and sort our paper recycling. This is a great hands-on demonstration of care for the earth!

Grade 5/6 students focused on “Stewardship for My Place”. They developed a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship with their teacher candidate Ms. Heath with a special emphasis on caring for our local outdoor spaces. Students explored places in our community that are meaningful to them and discussed ways to protect and respect these environments. Using a problem, plan, action, and result framework, they designed and illustrated comic strips to represent real-world environmental challenges and thoughtful solutions.

School wide, outdoor learning adventures this month focused on sustainability, responsibility and natural resources. Classes headed up to the rail trails and the local forests to explore the various plants and ecosystems in our own backyards.  Our craft club worked hard over the last couple of weeks to create a collaborative art installation and bulletin board display – “We all share the same home”.  Crafts focused on natural elements and the environment. Finally, buddy classes got together and spent time collecting garbage around our school building and doing some spring clean up. 

Great job South Nelson students! It’s great to see such awareness of our environment and enthusiasm for being outside.