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n a turned over bucket, under a tarp sail, Cindy Soule, a fourth grade Portland Public Schools teacher, reads to her students. Each student sits on their own carefully placed rock in what is the new outdoor classroom for fourth graders at Gerald E. Talbot Elementary School. This is a typical day for the 2021 Teacher of the Year. "The fourth-grade classes split the time for this space," explains Soule. Today, the story is accompanied by snack time, making their eating even safer as each child is carefully spaced apart and they're outdoors. During this time, Soule doesn't have to worry about the gentle reminders to physically distance as students remain still, engaged in the reading. Though you can't see her facial expressions, due to her mask, the story comes alive in Soule's voice as she stops to ask the children what they think will happen next in the book. Soule has embraced the outdoor learning spaces at her school and spent much of the day with her class outside, in multiple locations. "Educators are agents of change. This pandemic has proven that to be true and emphasized the importance of engaging all students in ways that inspire," said Soule. The inspiration continued as students head to Science class, which today takes place with a quick walk to the school's outdoor garden. "Where do you see seeds?" asks Soule of her students. When learning about the lifecycle, there is no better place to be than the school's garden, where students can explore and experiment in real time. Soule takes advantage of this space as she shows her students different plants, pulls a dandelion from the ground giving it later to a student to spread its seeds across the garden. Students are so interested in the lesson Soule must continually remind them to keep their space as they eagerly gather around her to see what she's picking and pruning. "Is this a seed?" asks one student who finds a tomato plant that is past its prime. Science is a passion for Soule who has been a leader in helping to develop the first comprehensive Science curriculum in the Portland Public School district. The robust science lesson outside concluded with students documenting their findings, writing and drawing pictures from the garden. With clipboards in hand, students found a spot to safely share what they learned, tying in science and writing in the safest way possible. "We will learn so much from her passion for teaching inquiry-based science and literacy!" said Heather Whitaker, the outgoing Maine Teacher of the Year.
Cindy Soule (right) leads students through the Gerald E. Talbot Elementary School's outdoor garden. December 2020 • www.maineea.org
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