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:
Fun Learning Adventures at Gavin Lake
Chilcotin Road Elementary
The students had a fantastic time at Gavin Lake, learning about toads and frogs, practicing orientation skills, and trying their hand at archery. We finished the day with a long hike to a beautiful viewpoint.
Outdoor Classroom Fun!
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Mrs. Hutchinson’s class has been taking advantage of the amazing weather by spending as much time as possible in our outdoor classroom! We have been exploring literacy and math activities using nature, while also experimenting with gravity through play and discovery.
Taking Care of Our Earth
Chilcotin Road Elementary
On Earth Day, students showed they are good stewards of the land by working together to pick up garbage around the school grounds. They took pride in helping keep their environment clean and welcoming for everyone.
Taking Care of Our Earth
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Students honoured Earth Day by carefully drawing something from nature that was meaningful to them, such as a tree, animal, or body of water. They took time to observe details and show appreciation for the natural world through their artwork.
Outdoor Story Telling
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Students in Ms. Hutchinson's class enjoyed oral story telling outside. What a fun way to spend a morning.
Animal Habitats
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Ms. J's Grade 5/6 student scientists spent some time researching an animal of their choice. They learned about the animal and how they interact with their environment. Later students built their animal's habitat in the snow and shared their knowledge with peers.
Ready Set GO!
Chilcotin Road Elementary
No better way to spend a lunch hour then sledding! All I can say is "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"
The Itsy Bitsy Spider
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Our school welcomed special guest speaker Mary Forbes into our classes. Mary taught our students about the amazing spiders that live here in the Williams Lake area. Students learned about different types of webs, body structure and the difference between venomous and poisonous spiders.
Who Said Reading Has to Happen Inside?
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Students caught doing school work outside. What an amazing way to read a book. Outside under the sun, on top of the play structure. Thank you Mrs. Sayenchuk for taking your students Out Side for Learning.
TMOFL
Chilcotin Road Elementary
The teachers of Chilcotin Road were up for the challenge of taking kids out for learning! It doesn't take much, just get out and let the learning happen. The pictures speak for themself.
Giving Back
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Spending an afternoon with students planting Bulbs in the ground. Thank you to Ms. Johnston and Mrs. Porter for allowing me to be a part of this.
Students at Scout Island
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Grade 5/6 students learning from experts in their field at Scout island. Excellent learning can happen outside the 4 walls of the classroom.
TMOFL Grade 4's Living Their Best Life Outside
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Mrs. Ferguson's grade 4's are learning on the land. What a beautiful day to be outside. It doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to be outside.
On the Land Learning and Playing
Chilcotin Road Elementary
Grade 5/6 went to Gavin Lake for a wonderful time of outdoor learning and play. They are building memories to last a lifetime.