Learning in Nature…
This week, our 3rd-5th graders got to visit Bernheim Forest and explore the beautiful area. It always excites me when we are able to get our students into nature. Nature can be such a powerful place for contemplation and revelation, especially when our students are used to living in a tightly packed neighborhood with limited nature options such as ours. Introducing this to students early on can give them so much appreciation for nature and skills to get the most benefits, spiritually and mentally, from time spent outdoors.
Some of our students enjoying a break from the hike.
Nature can be so impactful because it is creation. It was something created by God with humans in mind, for humans to take care of and live in. In the Bible we see a further and further pulling away from this creation; as humans follow God less and less, the mentions of gardens are replaced with mentions of cities. As humans lose touch with their purpose, they are drawn further from that which they were supposed to be caring for. Then, there are other moments where we read about people re-engaging with their purpose, and all of a sudden creation starts getting mentioned again, like prophets who withdrew into nature and in the garden when Jesus is killed. We were created to be in this creation and help take care of it, but it was also created to help us.
Nature has so many benefits for people, but enjoying those benefits is a skill that has to be trained. You have to learn to hear the birds sing and notice the beauty in flowers. You have to learn to slow down and allow yourself to enjoy these things. As this skill is grown, you are able to start letting creation teach you about life, there are so many metaphors found in nature, it is no wonder why Jesus used nature so much in his parables, it was one of his teachers. That is why I was so happy to hear when I was talking to the students that some of their favorite things were the creatures they saw. Getting to see beautiful birds, frogs, and caterpillars. They took the time to stop and watch these creatures.
Our students studying a caterpillar they came across
We have tried to ingrain nature into the school as well. The name Mighty Oak Academy. The mascot, the Lions. The names of our house system are Willow, Bur, and Chinkapin, all types of Oak trees found in Kentucky. Throughout the school building you will find numerous trees for decoration. We try to bring in as much nature as we can to our campus, but there is nothing we can do that can compare to somewhere like Bernheim. That is why it is so important for us to get students into those spaces to experience them.
This group was particularly lucky in that their teachers are both very passionate about the subject of science, and they were able to provide enlightening insights into the way things work and grow. While they were there they got to spend some quiet time under the canopies, visit one of the giant sculptures, and hang out with a caterpillar. It is something that is necessary for our students to learn and practice, and we were so happy to get to see them do that this week.
Ethan
Field Trips!
As the weather gets warmer we are excitedly planning learning activities outside the classroom! Our educators have lined up some amazing opportunities but we need your help to make it happen! Our goal is to visit Payton Glass Creative Center and the Louisville Zoo in the next couple of months before school lets out for the summer. If you are interested in helping support our school's field trips, please click the link below to contribute to the field trip fund!
Fish Fry!
We are back after Spring Break!! We would love to see you. As we seek Rezoning to be able to reopen Porkland six days a week, we have multiple ways that you can support the effort when you come in. Hope to see you soon!!!
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.