My project focuses on outdoor learning opportunities for all of my students, including the physically and mentally challenged youth mainstreamed into my class. The projects are integrated into my classroom and supported by proven curricula. While using the schoolyard and environs as a classroom is not a new idea, it is unusual in the Denver area.
Bilingual inclusion is critical, but often overlooked.
Most of all, providing meaningful involvement in the outdoors for physically and mentally challenged youth in a traditional school setting, and in summer program are ambitious and very unique undertakings. We know that involving youth actively in their learning improves their motivation and performance. They learn how to work together and support everyone, even if it means carrying them down to the river in their wheelchair. They become proficient making phone calls and enlisting others to work with them. Very quickly, the motivation for their efforts goes beyond themselves.