The students at North Haven School were fortunate to be provided with an opportunity in the fall to plant small shrubs in the Learning Grounds. Students in our Paced Learning Program (PLP), for students with mild to moderate learning and adaptive behaviour needs, eagerly looked at our shrub (a potentilla) and explored the water and light needs of this plant. Students took a class vote and decided to name our shrub “Tilla.”
Tilla was planted and lovingly tended to by our students until the snow arrived. Three times a week the students would carry water in 4L milk jugs from our classroom out to Tilla and other plants in the Learning Grounds. Students learned the art of cooperation and team work as there were not enough jugs for each student to carry. Some found the task of carrying the jug exhausting, so they would negotiate with a peer to assist with the carrying process. Students formed a connection with Tilla and that connection spread to other shrubs and soon to the larger trees that had been planted. They are eager to watch for the first signs of leaves on Tilla and Tilla’s companions in the Learning Grounds.
It is the hope of these students that others in the community will love Tilla and the Learning Grounds as much as they do. Remember to take the time to view the world through the eyes of a child. The fascination of a new discovery awaits all in the North Haven Learning Grounds!
Tanya Stewart
PLP Teacher
North Haven School
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