This is going to be a super short post. I just wanted to get a few pictures up to show the beginnings of an outdoor classroom at the South Mountain Annex in South Orange, NJ. South Mountain Annex is a public school of kindergarteners and first graders. I recently wanted to get involved with the school because my oldest son just started kindergarten there.
Well, right before the holiday break, I was approach by Andrea Garrido, a PTA member at the school. We got to know each other a couple of summers ago when I master planned her yard and installed an incredible bioswale in her backyard for rainwater. Andrea is a career coach and has tons of insight about how to use your passion to create direction in your life. She is also one of those people that everybody knows and likes. It’s hard to say no to her.
Anyhow, she approached me and explained that the PTA wanted to create an outdoor classroom for the kids at the Annex, and wanted to know if I had any ideas about it. Ideas? Me? I’ve got tons of ideas! I love designing spaces for kids to play that engages their creativity and educates.
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The only issue was that the school had a very, itty, bitty budget and any idea had to be accomplished within their limitations.
Long story short, the next week I met with Andrea, another PTA member and the principal at the school. We surveyed the property and figured out the best location for the classroom. I then called up Maplewood Tree Experts and arranged for about 30 tree stumps to be delivered to the school.
Long story short, the next week I met with Andrea, another PTA member and the principal at the school. We surveyed the property and figured out the best location for the classroom. I then called up Maplewood Tree Experts and arranged for about 30 tree stumps to be delivered to the school.
The students and teachers will use the stumps as seats, so they can get fresh air when weather permits. My guess is that they (the kids and maybe even the teacher) will use them for many other things besides chairs.
I’m not sure what else will be done to the space to make it more educational or aesthetic. That said, we are already talking about doing something similar at the “Big School” as well. It will be interesting to see how the outdoor classroom will evolve no matter future plans.
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I’m not sure what else will be done to the space to make it more educational or aesthetic. That said, we are already talking about doing something similar at the “Big School” as well. It will be interesting to see how the outdoor classroom will evolve no matter future plans.
Want More about Things Happening Around Town:
Age-Appropriate Playhouse Twins
Park(ing) Day was Big Success!
Parking Day in South Orange, NJ
Sit Down with Solar
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