The Nature-Based Learning (NBL) Team is thrilled to be back for another year at Anna Murray-Douglass Academy #12. We believe that Nature-Based Learning is a right that should be afforded to every student. All children have the right to spend time outside in their local environment, learning from and engaging with their natural community. When children have access to and spend time in the natural environments, the benefits are endless. Over the last year students and staff at AMDA 12 have reported improved emotional, mental, and physical health along with improved cognitive and academic performance.

This year our goal is to build capacity and increase the impact nature-based learning has on students at AMDA. The NBL team provides a multitude of ways to engage with classrooms. We begin with an introductory NBL lesson engaging the class in NBL agreements and working on community building. Then we move into a series of lessons that include time in the nature center, garden, and greenspaces. These lessons are co-planned with the classroom teacher and designed to meet specific academic standards. Our more in-depth approach is for teachers that we have consistently worked with over the last year. It is a coaching model where the NBL team is the support staff for their planned experiences.

We have listened to our families and have more NBL-focused events planned. Through our community partners and in collaboration with PTA, our goal is to have monthly events. Our first is Blanket and Books on October 10th from 6-7 PM. Become one with nature as your reading transports you! Bring your own book or borrow one of ours. We will have blankets set up for families to enjoy reading together in our natural spaces. You won't want to miss this chance to snuggle up on a blanket, take in the fresh air, and escape in a book. No need to RSVP. AMDA12 families and friends are welcome!

The NBL team monitors our academic and SEL impact in a variety of ways. We use Wellness Check-In cards before and after programs to measure any changes in a student's well-being. We use before and after writing samples to measure our academic impact. Here are a few examples from the first few weeks of school.

Take a walk in your neighborhood, a city park, in the woods, or at school and learn EMPATHY with nature. Take pictures of what you find and email them to the NBL team at kyra.stephenson@rcsdk12.org

Rochester Ecology Partners Events

https://rochesterecologypartners.org/event

Cumming Nature Center Events

Programs and Events | Rochester Museum & Science Center (rmsc.org)

City of Rochester Earth Explorers

City of Rochester | Environmental Education Programs

Seneca Park Zoo Programs for Teens and Free Youth February

Fall Fest at the Zoo | Seneca Park Zoo

The Lamberton Conservatory

Events — Highland Park Conservancy

The Genesee Land Trust

All Events — Genesee Land Trust

Other Events:

Ecofest | Greentopia

Kyra Stephenson

Anna Murray-Douglass Academy #12

Partnership with Rochester Ecology Partners and Earthworks

Email: kyra.stephenson@rcsdk12.org
Website: https://www.rcsdk12.org/domain/15183
Location: 999 South Ave Rochester, NY
Phone: (585) 461-3280
Twitter: @kls_natureED