On October 19, schools across Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) participated in Take Me Outside Day as an opportunity for students to deepen their connections with Indigenous perspectives, strengthen their health and well-being with outdoor learning, and increase their knowledge on climate change and the environment.
Irwin Memorial Public School (IMPS) recognized the day through a special school-wide initiative on October 21. Throughout the day, the entire school circulated through stations that focused on outdoor learning activities, such as species count, orienteering, a moss scavenger hunt and art, and a food chain game.
“The benefits of learning outdoors provide opportunities for children to develop curiosity, exploration, creativity, innovation, resilience, problem-solving skills, risk-taking, social skills, collaboration, and mathematical understanding,” said IMPS Kindergarten teacher, Mel Maxwell. “Some of our TLDSB schools have access to forested areas and that affords a level of opportunity other schools don’t have. However, some in-town schools have made incredible outdoor environments for students. There is an opportunity in any environment to access outdoor learning.”
