Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/1187302
The senior kindergarteners squealed with delight. Some played on the whisper phone. A few sifted through the dirt, while others tested out the slide and climbing wall. Several crouched over the raised plant beds, examining the herbs that had sprouted over the summer. A couple started building a structure with oversized play blocks. This was the scene at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Greenwood Learning Garden in September. The project is the result of generous support from several donors, one of whom named the space in honor of Shelley Greenwood, assistant head of school. The garden is a multi-sensory exploration play, and learning space for Latin's lower school, primarily designed for the junior and senior kindergarteners. The finished product is the result of many hours of planning and designing by faculty, staff and design professionals. Highlights of the space include raised planting beds, an outdoor classroom, an outdoor play space with a slide and climbing wall, a performance area with a small raised stage, an art wall, and math and STEM resources, including math manipulatives. BRINGING JOY: Greenwood Learning Garden THE IMPACT OF GIVING "This year we are developing lesson plans after observing what the students are interested in." Danielle Danz is a senior kindergarten teacher who was involved in the development of the garden since its inception, along with the other junior and senior kindergarten teachers. She was delighted when most everything on their wish list was delivered. "Last year we did a lot of brainstorming to determine how we could best incorporate the garden into the curriculum," she said. "This year we are developing lesson plans after observing what the students are interested in." Danz is excited about the endless possibilities for future lessons, such as, talking about the life cycle of an insect caught in the insect catchers or having cooking demonstrations using the vegetables and herbs grown in the garden. Jennifer Prewitt, a Latin board member and mother to three young boys, loves that the space is a learning environment that is hands-on and interactive. "My husband and I were enthusiastic about supporting a project at Latin that is so immediately relevant for our young family," she said. Prewitt is also impressed with Latin's intentionality. "Latin is so thoughtful about everything it does. In making decisions, the school always does an amazing job of consulting every possible resource. The school is really careful to understand why it is doing something and how that choice fits into the bigger picture." Latin School of Chicago 14