The Nature Explore Classroom at
Trinity Lutheran School
Trinity Lutheran School has been providing quality learning experiences for 65 years and we are always looking for new ways to engage our students. We are excited to offer our students opportunities to explore the natural world in our new Outdoor Enrichment Courtyard, an outdoor learning environment designed to connect children with nature. God created an amazing world and it is important that we teach children to understand, appreciate and help care for His creations.
Our Outdoor Enrichment Courtyard provides our students with opportunities to explore the natural world in a safe, engaging environment. There are several areas designed for learning and exploration: Nature Art, Music and Movement, Nature STEM, Loose Parts Play, Climbing and Balance, God’s Garden, an Outdoor Chapel, and Group Fun. Under a large shade structure, we added four picnic tables to create a gathering space. This is a great spot for our upper elementary classes to have outdoor activities and lessons. It is also used by students and families at school events, such as our Fall and Spring Festivals. It’s an ideal space for fellowship!
This new learning environment is located between our church and school. Teaching children about Jesus and helping them to explore, appreciate and help care for the beautiful world God created is a passion of the teachers and staff of Trinity Lutheran School. When we were in the early stages of the design process, we knew we wanted to include an outdoor Chapel. This is a place where classes can worship, praise, sing, and study God’s word. At the center of this area is a cross that is made up of small painted squares. Every child and teacher painted a square on that cross and it is a beautiful reminder that we are all God’s children, and we all have an important role in God’s world.
Another special area is our garden area, which we named God’s Garden. Each class has their own garden bed for planting, and they are responsible for watering and caring for the plants. Since we live in Florida and have Monarch butterflies year-round, we also have a butterfly garden and Monarch enclosure. We have been blessed to observe the life cycle of the Monarch from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly! The children get so excited when we release the butterflies! Being able to observe this amazing transformation has truly given our students a greater appreciation for God’s creations.
Building such an amazing learning space for our students has been such a blessing for Trinity Lutheran School. We are grateful to all those who have helped us throughout this process: our staff, families, students and volunteers for their time, hard work and donations; Faith Viera Lutheran Church; Goodson Paving; Rockledge Gardens; and the Early Learning Coalition of Brevard.
We pray God’s blessings on our Outdoor Enrichment Courtyard. May this space inspire wonder and awe to those who enter.
