7.5. SR 12-21-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~' :. '~ Section 2: What is a Nature Classroom continued: The entire Nature Playground is divided into discrete activity areas. By providing a complete mix of activities, children with a variety of needs and learning styles are engaged. The space will be inviting to many community groups in addition to the programs located at the Handke Center. Though the overall design implementation wil! be spearheaded by the Elk River Schools, there is a desire to collaborate in the long- term with local parks, nature centers, and community groups as spaces begin to take shape and the public use broadens. The specific learning areas included in the Nature Classroom will be enclosed in fencing featuring an artistic entrance area as follows: Climbing Crawling Area Messy Materials Area - Building Area Nature Art Area Music and Movement Area Gardening Area ~ Gathering Area Section 3: Why have a Nature Classroom? Schools all over the country are seeing the value in building their own Nature Classrooms, and this will add an amazing jewel to our already stellar system of school and area parks. We will become part of a growing network of schools and. organizations working to reconnect children with nature. By offering such a space in our area, we will be facilitating children's overall development in traditional academic areas, and children who continue to have positive personal experiences with the natural world have better motor skills, balance, and. agility. Choosing to construct such a playground overlooking historic Handke Stadium will create a beautiful spot in our city that is both natural and interactive.. Early Childhood Family Education also received a $9,500 grant, "Reconnecting Children with the Natural World - A Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom," from The Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation. The grant provided for $3,000 in materials, $3,500 in training and $3,000 for landscape design. 2