Bright Ideas
Centerville City Schools funds Nature Class for All K-1 Students
September 13, 2022
The forests and meadows in Centerville, Ohio, will have a new group of mammals exploring its habitats this fall. Expected impacts will be squeals of discovery and laughter as the Centerville City School district adds and expands their nature-based learning for all Kindergartners and First Graders at Primary Village North and Primary Village South, approximately 1,000 children. Each Kindergarten and First grade student will participate hands-on lessons about the local flora and fauna regularly- just like gym, music, art, and library classes. This is a big step when the norm in public education tends to be very indoor, paper, and digital centric.
This investment was a vision of a parent at Primary Village North, Mary Watring. Knowing about the benefits of outdoor education, such as reduced symptoms of stress, possible increased academic gains, and increased safety from viruses, Watring wanted to see more nature-based education in the local public schools. She contacted local nature-based education advocate and consultant, Meredith Florkey, at Ohio Naturally LLC. Florkey and Primary Village North principal, Mindy Cline, worked with staff at the preK-1 building to devise a pilot year to lead the rebound from Covid-19 times. “Meredith saw our vision for an emerging nature education program transitioning from a volunteer based program plan and, quite literally RAN WITH IT!” shared Cline. Working with local boy scout, Grayson Atkins, and the Centerville Washington Park District, spaces were developed in the nearby park, meadow and gardens to allow for different lessons and nature play at Primary Village North.
Lessons included exploring the five senses through identifying with local birds, mammals and reptiles, maple tapping, migration, colors in nature, and alphabet creation with sticks. Spring in first grade means bird migration and bluebird box monitoring as well as a special project about worms and roly polys! Not only are there great hands-on science experiences happening, but increased time spent in nature has an impact on the well-being of children.
- Increased play and time investigating their natural surroundings has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in children as well as ADHD symptoms.
- The field of nature-based education is reporting equivalent or increased academic results when young children are immersed in regular nature play and learning.
- Recent studies show that even short bursts of time in nature can increase focus when returning to traditional lessons inside.
Centerville has had nature-based experiences in the past, both at Grant Park for grades K-5 and when the Primary Villages were formed and taught by Laura Peterson. However, scheduling changes shifted those classes over time. “It was then that the Primary Village South PTO graciously funded the nature program and paid me as a “Naturalist in Residency” which allowed me to continue to work primarily with first grade throughout the school year. Kindergarten classes had seasonal visits,” explains Peterson. Principal of Primary VIllage South, Amy Allen, shares, “Through Laura’s guidance and partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Washington Centerville Parks, and Five Rivers MetroParks, PVS has gained recognition as a School Wild Site, Green Schoolyard, and Best Nature School in Ohio.” Laura was named OUTstanding Outdoor Teacher by Five River MetroParks in 2019.”
PVN’s new nature teacher Katie Guirnalda explains, “The new program at PVN that I will be teaching creates access for so many students to be in and explore natural spaces. I look forward most to being the person who facilitates these experiences and creates a space where students can form strong connections with nature." Guirnalda and Florkey were able to spend days together learning at the 2022 Natural Start Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, together this July. With the committed stakeholders in the Centerville community, they see that the south Dayton district is well poised to lead our region in creating stewards of our natural world who will value and work to heal our environment through personal connection and the jobs of tomorrow.
Parent Mary Watring reflects, “Nature class is definitely a highlight of my child’s education. I think it is important to teach the benefits of nature early, including its stress relieving properties and brain benefits.”
- Centerville City Schools serves about 8,200 students in Centerville and Washington Township in southwest Ohio, offering a variety of educational programs to a diverse student population.
- Centerville Washington Park District operates eight community parks, nine nature parks and 34 neighborhood parks encompassing 1,030 acres in Centerville and Washington Township.
- Ohio Naturally LLC creates spaces of belonging for educators, children and families in alignment with our natural world where learning and growth are supported and celebrated through professional development and consulting.
For more information, contact Meredith Florkey, [email protected]
