Wilder-Waite Grade School
With the goal of becoming the first elementary school in Peoria to earn certification for a Nature Explore Classroom, the staff, students, and families of Wilder-Waite Grade School have spent years working together to make that vision a reality.
Over time, the nature classroom has been thoughtfully designed and developed into an outdoor learning environment that fosters academic growth, social development, an appreciation of nature, and a sense of student responsibility and ownership. Supported financially by the PTO—and built through countless hours of hard work by staff, students, and volunteers—the space adjacent to the playground has become a vibrant area where kindergarten through 5th-grade students can work, learn, and play together.
Much of the ongoing maintenance, such as spreading mulch, planting, and weeding, is completed by student work teams. This hands-on involvement gives students pride in the classroom and motivates them to care for it as a shared community space. Each area is supplied with its own student-sized shed stocked with materials to support its activities—whether that’s easel painting in the art area, creating melodies on the music wall, harvesting vegetables from the garden, or using magnifying glasses in the science area to study insects up close. Teachers also bring instructional activities outdoors, and students can often be found reading or journaling in the sunshine.
A mature, towering tree serves as the focal point of the gathering area, offering abundant shade and a welcoming spot for group activities. The adjacent deck supports dramatic play and music, while the nearby music wall provides a range of sound-making experiences with pipes tuned to scale. At the north end of the classroom, a large climbing log offers opportunities for gross motor play near the building and messy materials area. At the center of it all is a grassy knoll—perfect for movement, reading, or simply relaxing in nature.
One of the most meaningful benefits of the classroom is the way it nurtures leadership skills in students who feel a strong connection to the natural world. When concerns arose about behavior expectations in the space, a student leadership team spearheaded the effort to design permanent signage that aligned school-wide expectations with those for the outdoor classroom. Students take their daily responsibilities seriously—from managing shed supplies to watering plants and filling bird feeders. Their active contributions not only help them “co-own” and value the space, but also strengthen their sense of belonging within the school community and build their confidence.
Looking ahead, a new Wilder-Waite school building is being planned for August of 2027 which will also include a nature classroom. In our new school the nature classroom will continue to serve as a positive, dynamic space for students and families. Our nature classroom is a cherished and a constantly developing part of our school, and we look forward to using the space for years to come.
