In Tune With Nature

Being in tune with the world around us and working with nature has become an increasingly important part of our lives. As we learn more about the impact that people have on our world, the greater our understanding that we need to treasure our natural resources and strive to live in harmony with nature.

This past year, an outdoor classroom was created at the Broadlands Campus as part of The Boyd School’s “Going Green” initiative. The natural setting provides unique learning opportunities and exploration areas for the children within the safety of the playground.

With the opening of the seventh campus of The Boyd School in Aldie, outdoor education has risen to new heights. The 15 acre area at the back of the Aldie Campus offers first hand glimpses at nature on a daily basis. Birds, groundhogs, and deer are daily visitors and almost seem to pose for the children to observe. During late summer, the children were treated to

the discovery of a goliath beetle and countless praying mantis. With the coming of the cooler Autumn temperatures, a step out into any of the courtyards reveals a chorus of croaks from the frogs that call the area home. With out too much of a search, one of the many turtles can be found.

The Aldie Campus not only offers glimpses into the lives of animals, but also allows for children to understand plant life first hand. The garden just outside of the primary classroom has

sprouted tomatoes, zucchini, and peppers. The children will continue to plant seasonal items and tend to them as they grow from seed to fruit -bearing plant. Beginning at the end of last school year, the middle school student began planting an orchard as

part of their outdoor education. They recently harvested persimmons, researched a cookie recipe, and baked fresh cookies for students, staff, and parents to enjoy.

Although the Aldie Campus has opened many new and exciting opportunities for our students to commune with nature, students at all of the campuses enjoy the benefits of their environment. The curiosity of a baby when first coming upon a leaf is the essence of learning. At the Cascades Campus, discovering something new is a daily occurrence.

After School students at the Reston Campus have been recycling materials and using them for special arts and crafts projects. Students have made a house and school bus using cardboard

boxes and paint. Recycling is promoted throughout all the Boyd Campuses as we continue to teach our students the importance of "Going Green.”

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