Rainbow School

For the 2023-24 school year, we introduced weekly nature themes to bridge the learning and play in the inside classroom with the exploration happening in the outdoor classroom. the inside classroom teachers and the outside nature educators used the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Nature Revealed curriculum for pre-K, while we continued on with our composting curriculum.

In the Deena Raye Outdoor Classroom, we completed our makeover of the prayer labyrinth with the
completion for our Discovery Patio. This area is a dedicated space for science exploration and
experimentation. Discovery tools, such as magnifying glasses, are made available for students to study the monthly nature theme-based objects or their surroundings.

We highlighted the new Discovery Patio at our annual harvest party with the theme of Fall STEAM Ahead. Rainbow School families and friends gathered on a beautiful fall evening to learn about how each center in our outdoor classroom promotes STEAM learning. There was a pumpkin walk, fall crafts, and lots of free exploration throughout the outdoor classroom and on our new Discovery Patio.

We enjoyed all kinds of weather this year from snow to rain to sun. And we celebrated International Mud Day again in June. It is a summer session favorite as we provide opportunities for mud play that range from minimum contact (mud painting) to maximum contact (mud pit). It’s exhilarating and calming and messy and stinky, and our students love it all.

Rainbow School students also grow vegetables, herbs, and fruit in our five vegetable beds and Giving
Grove orchard. We also help tend community beds in the community garden next to our outdoor
classroom. There are plenty of chances to snack on everything we grow, but there is always excess, and we donate it to our Little Free Pantry or area food pantries. In 2024, Rainbow School was able to donate 55 pounds of fruit and 46 gallons of vegetables, greens, and herbs.