This is the first lesson in the Kids for Parks educational program. Taking the time to look at nature is an important component of the innovative program that is celebrating its twentieth year. It is offered through the Anaheim City, Magnolia and Orange Unified School Districts and implements part of California's third grade social studies curriculum. During the school year, classes make four visits to their neighborhood park. The initial trip is a tour of the park facilities.
Students look at how the park is designed and the ways it is used by the public.
Some parks are more geared towards recreation, with ballfields, large playgrounds and courts for basketball or tennis. Other parks emphasize nature. Each tree is different. We take time to smell the lemon fragrance of the eucalyptus and feel the fuzzy leaves of the sycamore trees. Kristin Brittain teaches third grade at Maxwell Elementary.