Flexible / Alternative Learning Spaces 

Several Bridge teachers have been exploring the use of outdoor learning spaces, and creating more flexible, natural classroom environments that foster and encourage our students' engagement and connection to their own learning.

How did we determine our focus and what are we learning from listening to our students?  

Our school story was developed through scanning and gathering feedback from students, staff and families at Bridge, and it was clear that our community embraces the philosophy of making a stronger connection between the experience of learning at Bridge and the outdoors, our local environments and the natural world around us. This links to continuing explorations of First People’s principles of learning, environmental stewardship, healthy choices, social emotional learning, and student engagement through physical and kinesthetic learning experiences for our students. This also connects with a decision by staff to enhance our exploration of Gardening program with Ian Lai and Paige Inglis. The teachers listed above will be participating in this program and are excited about the opportunities for students to grow their own produce both outdoors and indoors through the school year.  

What inquiry question(s) do we have?

1) Does the exploration of First People’s Principles of Learning through Outdoor Learning and Gardening build stronger connections and increase student engagement for our learners?

2) Does learning outdoors and gardening improve students’ emotional well-being, self-concept as learners and emotional regulations?

Inquiry Actions and Reflections

What actions will you take to enhance student learning and professional learning?

1. Students and staff from 7 classes K-7 will participate in “Kids in the Garden” program with Ian Lai and Paige Inglis to experience through hands-on activities many learning concepts within the science curriculum and to explore topics including seeds, worms, water conservation, planting, growing and harvesting and consuming your own healthy produce, bees, and many other topics – through outdoor gardens and indoor hydroponic tower gardens.

How will you know if you are making a difference for student learning?

Through student reflections, and teacher observations we will looking to see the following development:

1. Within the Personal Awareness and Responsibility Competencies, are there indicators showing:

   • improved development of self-awareness and connection to their own learning

   • improved student abilities to regulate their emotions

   • a stronger a sense of connection to their learning and the physical / natural world around them.

2. Improved and/or increased student expression and demonstration of

   • more positive emotions about themselves as learners and their learning

3. Stronger / improved emotional regulation during these learning experiences and that later transfers to all other learning experiences throughout their school day.