The construction of the school garden and learning center at Clark Fork School. Photo credit: Kris Litz
Over the last 16 months, Clark Fork School (CFS) has installed a large garden and learning center on an empty lot adjacent to the school. This garden is one of the schools’ proudest achievements and has become a special place where students can engage in play-oriented learning. The school garden features raised beds where students grow vegetable and herbs, a Pollinator Paradise garden, and a greenhouse built from sustainable wood.
Students planting a Pollinator Paradise garden. Photo credit: Kris Litz
- A music station where recycled metal objects act as drums and musical instruments, where students can
experiment with sounds and rhythm. - A mud kitchen where students use different tools to make mud pies and mud smoothies while engaging in a very tactile learning experience.
- A tunnel of wonder planted with native vines that providea child-centered sanctuary where imagination rules the land.
- A insect hotel where students can observe different insects and learn about their needs and habitat requirements.
- A dig pit where students can play, practice shoveling, design a tunnel network, and even go on scavenger hunts.
Do you have space for any of these unique learning spaces in your school garden?
Download the Clark Fork School Pre-K lesson plan here!
Click here to learn more about the Eco-Schools USA program, and find out how you can participate!