I have been challenged to think outside the box and become a lifelong learner alongside a wonderfully unique Kindergarten community. Setting up a Yurt daily as an outdoor classroom, is one example of how space can impact a child’s learning. When I have my own classroom I will ensure that outdoor learning is an integral part of our routine. I have gained so much knowledge during my time as a student teacher, but I feel the most significant has truly been what I learned from the students.
These lessons don’t come from a textbook, but from experience and understanding. Subsequently, it seems fitting that what I learned in Kindergarten twenty years ago is a direct reflection of the lessons I was taught every single day by students.
Erin Manes (@erinleamanes) 2015 UofC B.Ed graduate, adventure seeker, animal lover, and community volunteer with a slight addiction to golf.