McNeely's Inquiry Questions:
- How might our school garden be a place that invites inquiry, exploration, play, and joy?
- How might we help our school community be more connected to ‘our place’?
Why ask these questions?
- We are noticing a high interest among students and staff members but limited engagement with our outdoor spaces.
- Our outdoor space consists of six designated garden plots, a row of fruit trees, as well as a large expanse of field area dotted with different mature trees. Our school also has close access to a small urban forest which is host to many trees, bushes, and small local wildlife such as squirrels and rabbits.
- The opportunities for outdoor, engaged learning are endless. How can we encourage our community to use them in new ways?
What was being noticed about learners?
- We notice that learners are engaged, energized, and have a natural curiosity when they go outside to learn. Children of all ages love to be outside and will naturally discover connections to curricular topics.
- We notice that there are endless curricular and competency connections with outdoor learning that enable students to engage in rich and meaningful learning.
- We notice that each day our students listen to our daily school message which reminds our community to take care of ‘our place’.
What actions were taken?
Together with friends and community members, we worked to create a new space which showcases native plant species. The children researched various species of native plants, specifically varieties which thrived in full sun and moist to dry soil. They were able to understand which plants would spread and how much space to leave in between. As their understanding grows, so do their questions about the plants’ cultural significance, and hopefully, their appreciation for the historical contributions for the Indigenous peoples of this land.
How did this inquiry make a difference for learners?
The students have developed a sense of pride and ownership over the garden. They enjoy the daily jobs involved in taking care of this new garden, and this extends to taking care of all the plants growing in all our school garden beds.
The students demonstrate confidence when they explain the process of planting the garden and describe the specific traits of plants. They welcome questions from others and become excited when the answer requires research.
What next steps will be taken?
- To continue learning about native plants and their cultural significance to Indigenous people.
- To label each plant and include specific information so others may learn about their significance.
- To continue empowering students to care for the garden and to teach others, both students and adults, about Indigenous plant species
- To continue to develop accessible outdoor learning opportunities for colleagues and students.
