Public urged to vote to help CMPS get an outdoor classroom
MINDEMOYA—Central Manitoulin Public School (CMPS) is calling on all local citizens to “vote, vote, vote” so they have a chance to win an outdoor learning classroom through the CST Inspired Minds Learning Project.
The concept for the outdoor learning classroom (idea No. 963) was posted on learningproject.cst.org by idea pioneer Deanna Lewis. She is a registered early childhood educator with Manitoulin Family Resources (MFR), which operates the daycare at CMPS.
The outdoor learning classroom features an assortment of trees and plants, artistic panels, gravel and surfacing, sensory items, multiple log work, furnishings like stump tables, rope climbers, boardwalk and deck platforms, a retaining wall, fencing, and curriculum cupboards.
Prizes are awarded based on a combination of popular online voting and a judging panel. The top 20 vote-getting ideas move on to the judging round. Projects are judged on innovation, impact and viability.
Everyone can vote up to three times a day on Facebook and the link on the webpage,” says CMPS Principal Tracey Chapman. “We want everyone to vote early and vote often so we can move on to the judging round.”
Voting takes place from May 2 to May 16, 2016 at the following links: http://www.learningproject.cst.org/ideas/963 or facebook.com/centralmanitoulinps.
Ms. Chapman commended Deanna Lewis for proposing the idea. “CMPS and Manitoulin Family Resources share the schoolyard,” she said. “All children benefit from this innovative outdoor learning environment.”
“In an outdoor learning environment children learn what they do, through what they encounter, and through what they discover,” said Ms. Lewis. “Outdoor learning broadens horizons and stimulates new interests. Learning through play outdoors increases flexibility, fine and gross motor skills, and is related to the development of a wide variety of physical skills.”
