Merritt Elementary in Niles has announced the opening of the school’s new outdoor classroom. The school held a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday to celebrate.
The outdoor classroom is located just behind the school, adjacent to the recess playground. It includes a large pavilion with picnic tables, a shed to keep the outdoor equipment, a large field, and small hiking trails.
Great Start Readiness Program teacher Maddi High is the mastermind behind the outdoor classroom. She intends to use the space to increase the amount of time her students spend outside learning.
High says the goal is “to encourage a love of nature in our students and incorporate learning that cannot take place in the classroom.” She’s hoping to increase time outside by two and a half to three hours from the one hour students currently have for recess.
Brandywine Community Schools Superintendent Travis Walker says studies have shown that outdoor learning spaces not only improve academic performance, but also promote physical and mental well-being.
