Place-Based Learning
Place-based learning uses the local environment and community as the starting point for teaching the objectives of the curriculum. We will provide resources and create opportunities for cross-curricular learning on the land while fostering relationships between school and community. Teachers are expected and supported to take more learning outdoors for all the health and learning benefits that come with spending time outside and in nature. Examples of this work include:
•Investment in equipment for outdoor activities and learning
•Ensuring all students have access to clothing, and footwear for outdoor activities
•Participation in the year-long Take Me Outside For Learning Challenge
•Support for educator participation in learning opportunities to build capacity for outdoor learning (Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers Association workshops and network, Environmental Education Provincial Specialist Association (EEPSA) partnerships, Open Learning Store webinars, Outdoor Council of Canada certification, other)
•Interactive digital map of place-based learning sites, resources, and opportunities
•Relationships with community educators, organizations, and facilities to bring community educators into the classroom and students out into community settings
•Independent Directed Study (IDS) framework to honour community and cultural learning with graduation program credits
Explore the ways we are LEARNING BETTER TOGETHER in, on, with, and from the Cariboo-Chilcotin School District land and communities:
Leaders Learning on the Land
District
A group of school and district leaders were honoured this summer to have Dancing Water Sandy take us out to gather medicinal plants and learn about their use. It was a special learning opportunity.
District Leadership Team Walking the Talk of Outdoor Learning
District
The District Leadership Team of PVP, Manager, and senior management spent time together in August engaged in outdoor learning to be able to bring the experience and activities back to schools and sites.
Fall Harvest
Tatla Lake Elementary & Jr. Secondary School
Our school enjoyed a fall harvest field trip to a local garden, where students had the opportunity to dig up root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and beets. The harvest was a hands-on way for students to learn about where their food comes from and the importance of local farming. The vegetables gathered will be used for both our Thanksgiving dinners and the school lunch program, supporting our goal of providing nutritious, locally sourced meals to students. Thank you to the Porter family for your generosity!
Cataline Goes Gleaning
Cataline Elementary
Mr. Wilson’s class took a trip today to Soda Creek Sweet Corn to participate in ‘gleaning’ (the process of collecting excess produce from farms to provide for those in need). The extra produce is donated to a variety of organizations and in part to the Williams Lake Food Bank. Thanks to Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society for providing this opportunity to our students to put some kindness and love into our community!
PSO Salmon Dissection
Peter Skene Ogden
The Environmental Science 11 class at PSO learned about the life cycles and cultural importance of salmon. The highlight was the salmon dissection day!
Thursday hike in Nemiah Valley, students were on a mushroom finding expedition!
Naghtaneqed Elementary Junior Secondary School
Students observing and finding various mushroom species.
Library class outside at Forest Grove Elementary
Forest Grove Elementary
Story time in our outdoor shelter with Mrs. V during the beautiful September weather.
Having fun being kids
Skyline Alternate School
Kids just being kids.
Nature Journals at our Sit Spots
Nesika Elementary
After reading Me and My Sit Spot by Lauren MacLean and illustrated by Anna Panchuk, Mrs. McKinnon's grade 3/4 class ventured outdoors to choose a sit spot of their own. They sat quietly for a few moments, some switching spots that were better suited to them and then everyone settled into nature journaling about what they could see, hear, smell and feel. Students gathered together afterwards to share ideas and then completed a scavenger hunt outdoors as well. At the end of the week, one student reflected on the experience as something that inspired them.
Rose Hips
Alexis Creek Elementary
We were on a field trip and came across some rose hips growing near the Chilcotin River. We know from some of Annette's teachings and her plant walks near Alexis Creek School, that you can make tea from rose hips. We decided to pick some and save them up for learning to make tea.
Big Lake - Walking Together
Big Lake Elementary
After reading the story "Walking Together" several times by Elder Albert Marshall and Louise Zimanyi, Big Lake students completed a few different collaborative projects - nature murals and wild animals.
