Nature Scouts
“The Nature Scouts started when a group of Second Graders took an interest in a neglected patch of dirt behind the playground area. The Scouts were exploring this patch of land, when I told them they should talk with Bev Malone, Director of the Teacher Training Institute and our resident tree expert. Bev started brainstorming with them, thinking of the possibilities of the space. She helped them plant annuals in pots and along the border of the fence, gave them a Nature Scout journal, and helped them research various trees. She supported them but gave them complete ownership over the project. This project was also very important socially to this group of students, helping them develop new friendships. “I loved getting the chance to work with Bev on curriculum. While the project existed mostly during recess, it gave me ideas of how to support emergent curriculum in the future. Jen Lavenberg also built off of the enthusiasm for the space, having the entire Second Grade think about different ways to use the space.”
Top: Front Row - Sofia Egan ’26, Charley Rubins ’26, Zoey Orlando ’26, Alexis Higgins ’26, Aleena Surati ’26. Back Row: Pepe Quilter-Vagts ’26, Iris Fahy ’26, Chloe Rankel ’26, and Bev Malone. Bottom: Aleena Surati ’26, Zoey Orlando ’26, and Sofia Egan ’26 prepare to plant flowers along the playground border.
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— Susan Kinsky, Grade 2 Teacher