Elementary school in Black Forest takes class outdoors
BLACK FOREST, Colo. (KRDO) -- Surrounded by nature, Edith Wolford Elementary School in Black Forest is taking classes outside to keep students interested.
"You have natural background sounds, and I work best when there's a little bit of noise," said Jason Yonce, a fifth-grader.
At first glance, it may look like the kids are outside for recess, but in 2020 it's science, P.E., Spanish, and writing class. Edith Wolford Elementary has been taking part since the beginning of the school year.
"You get fresh air and you don't have to be inside wearing your mask. You don't have to be sitting at your desk, you can spread out," said Addison Gaither.
Moving outdoors gives kids a break from masks, but also allows them to social distance.
"We have to stay away from other classes or cohorts. We can't share materials so we have our own glue sticks, colored pencils, our own highlighters," Yonce said.
Ruth Means, who is on the school's PTO, is one of the many people behind this project.
"Kids are made for movement, so it's nice to have them out and let them move around and not just stay in the same space all the time," Means said.
She's hoping it only grows from here, and she's already planning on ways to make it better.
"Create more seating, more shade, more storage for supplies for the teachers. How can we make the classrooms bright and inviting and comfortable to be in so that they want to spend time out here?" she said.
That's why they're hoping the community can help with donations or by donating supplies and sharing ideas. If you'd like to help, you can call the office at Edith Wolford Elementary School.
With winter moving in, they know this isn't a permanent solution to learning in a time of COVID-19. The teachers and staff hope to continue outdoor instruction, but say it will be dependent on weather.
