Why do we need an inclusive outdoor classroom and swing at CJES?
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First and foremost, to ensure that 100% of our school's students can access outdoor play.
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Outdoor classrooms bring learning to life. An outdoor classroom is a space that brings learning outside. It becomes a gathering place for teachers and students and provides an opportunity to integrate nature into our school grounds. The goal of the outdoor classroom is simple: to increase the quantity, quality, and benefits of outdoor experiences for children. But this does not only support structured adult-led outdoor activities. Children also need opportunities to initiate their own activities. They need to explore, imagine, try new things, and learn alone or with friends.
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Children with disabilities benefit from free, unstructured play just as other children do, and they have a right to equal opportunities. An inclusive playground removes barriers between kids, despite any differences, and gives them the chance to play and grow together as they should. Inclusive play makes opportunities available to all children, regardless of ability and background. We believe children should all have the chance to play together. All children benefit from being outside, interacting with their environment, learning from nature, and developing through play.
- Recognizing the diverse learning profiles of students and the community, CJES intends to expand education outside the walls of the school, into our natural environment with the use of an outdoor classroom. The goal and hope of the program is that by using alternative teaching methods that incorporate the environment, this will instill in our learners a newfound appreciation and love of education.
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The overall intention is to create safe, respectful, accessible, and participatory learning environments.
Background
- Owchar’s have donated a grain bin that is 14ft in diameter.
- Chad Nordin has already got the roof made and it is ready to go on our call.
- The Outdoor Classroom will be a Grain Bin Gazebo style similar to the ones shown in the pictures below:
Design
Donations to the project so far total: $18,506.22
- The CJES SCC - $5000.00
- CJES - $4000.00
- 2023 Spring - Online 50/50 - $3185.74
- Tim Hortons (Canora) - $676.00
- Co-op Fuel Good Day - $2865.65
- SCC 2023 - Winter 50/50 - $2355.00
- SCC Hot Lunch - $300.00
- Tim Hortons (Canora) - $123.83
Grants or Funding Applications:
We have applied for the following:
- COOP Community Spaces Grant
- Canadian Tire - Jumpstart
- Painted Hand Casino Development Corporation Fund
Donation of Services:
- Canora Equipment Rentals - donation of equipment use to help with the project.
Estimated Cost of the project