The outdoor learning environment plays an important role in the curriculum, providing opportunities for students to experiment and explore; ask questions and make observations; solve problems and build theories. Apply what they are learning in the classroom to their environment.

Research has shown that place-based education helps to develop understanding and appreciation of the outdoor environment, builds stewardship, and allows children an opportunity to build academic skills in a different setting.

Our goal at Sharon Elementary School is to utilize our local outdoor spaces (the gardens, Williams Woods, Ashley Community Forest, Downer Forest, and the Sharon Academy forest) as part of your child’s regular education. Students and staff will be involved in activities that extend classroom instruction, allow opportunities to apply prior knowledge, foster curiosity, and connect to the place in which we live and learn.

Teachers have received extensive training from consultants on how to adapt their curriculum to the outdoors. Your children’s teacher will communicate with you about their outdoor education program so that you can appropriately prepare your child for their time outside.

For more information about our program, please reach out to Principal Haley at khaley@wrvsu.org.