The Nature Explore Classroom at Kellom Elementary School

The Nature Explore Classroom at Kellom Elementary continues to be a place for not only learning and play, but for music, story time and special events.

The students are encouraged to be active participants in their Nature Explore Classroom by helping to maintain the space by pulling weeds, raking leaves and watering plants when needed.

As new students enter into the program each August, procedures and guidelines are taught for appropriately interacting in the Nature Explore Classroom. The students love exploring worms and butterflies and learning about recycling and composting.

When part of a tree was cut down inside the classroom, part of it was used to create new stumps for the gathering area and a large number of long branches were placed around the classroom. The students love climbing, exploring and manipulating these pieces as they build areas for play; a house, a castle, a fort, etc...

A new arbor was obtained and vines have been growing up and over the structure. The Garden Area contains vegetables which produce a healthy snack enjoyed by all.

Fall and spring Family Fun Days are planned where students and families have the opportunity to become involved in nature activities and explore each of the areas in the Nature Explore Classroom.

Continuing staff professional development included attending Go Out and Play! Creating Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul, Nature Explore Workshops and Nature: Whole Body Experience.