Place-based learning uses the local environment and community as the starting point for teaching the objectives of the curriculum. We will provide resources and create opportunities for cross-curricular learning on the land while fostering relationships between school and community. Teachers are expected and supported to take more learning outdoors for all the health and learning benefits that come with spending time outside and in nature. Examples of this work include:
- Investment in equipment for outdoor activities and learning
- Ensuring all students have access to clothing, and footwear for outdoor activities
- Participation in the year-long Take Me Outside For Learning Challenge
- Support for educator participation in learning opportunities to build capacity for outdoor learning (Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers Association workshops and network, Environmental Education Provincial Specialist Association (EEPSA) partnerships, Open Learning Store webinars, Outdoor Council of Canada certification, other)
- Interactive digital map of place-based learning sites, resources, and opportunities
- Relationships with community educators, organizations, and facilities to bring community educators into the classroom and students out into community settings
- Independent Directed Study (IDS) framework to honour community and cultural learning with graduation program credits
Explore the ways we are LEARNING BETTER TOGETHER in, on, with, and from the Cariboo-Chilcotin School District land and communities:
Fall Harvest
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
A beautiful fall day spent digging in the garden! Our students helped harvest potatoes that will be used in our school lunch program, connecting outdoor learning with our school community and the food we share together.
Chilko Lake Lodge: Learning on the Land
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our students spent two days at Chilko Lake Lodge on Chilko Lake, learning about salmon and their important role in the ecosystem. As we travelled the shoreline by boat, students had the opportunity to observe salmon spawning, eagles soaring, and the beautiful landscape and terrain of the Tŝilhqot’in
National Forest Week - What Makes a Forest Healthy?
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
For National Forest Week, Tatla Lake students explored the question: What makes a forest healthy? We began by reading How the Forest Grew and discussing the relationships between trees, plants, animals, soil, water, and people.
Growing Through Nature
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Place-based learning continues to create meaningful and memorable learning experiences for students. Over the past several weeks, our primary class has been immersed in a hands-on science inquiry exploring metamorphic and non-metamorphic life cycles.
Harvesting Pitch - Take Me Outside Winter Challenge
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
As one part of the Take Me Outside Winter Challenge, students headed outdoors for hands-on, land-based learning. They harvested natural tree pitch and will work together to make a healing salve, learning about traditional uses of local plants and the importance of respecting and caring for the land.
Cross-Country Skiing & Biathlon Experience
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
From January to March—weather permitting—our students head out every Friday for cross-country skiing. These weekly outings allow students to build skills, develop confidence on the trails, and experience firsthand the joys of winter recreation in our community.
Exploring Creativity Through Place-Based Learning - TMO4L Week
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
As part of Take Me Outside Week, our primary students embraced the outdoors with a creative twist inspired by the book Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis. After reading the story together, students ventured into the forest to find their own “not a stick.
Reading in the Outdoor Classroom
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Today our students took their library time outdoors! Surrounded by fresh air and vibrant fall colours, the intermediate students enjoyed their novel reading while the primary students gathered for story time in our outdoor classroom.
Take Me Outside for Learning Math
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
As part of Take Me Outside Week, our class took our math learning outdoors! Students explored the natural world around our school to create repeating and growing patterns using leaves, rocks, sticks, cones, and other found objects.
Place-Based Learning at Gavin Lake
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Recently our Grades 4–7 students had opportunity to visit Gavin Lake Forestry Education Centre. The three-day experience brought learning alive in ways a classroom simply can’t.
Fall Leaves Inspire Colourful Learning
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our class enjoyed a lovely fall walk to explore the changing colours of the season and collect leaves from around our school grounds. Back in the classroom, students used their collections to create individual fall leaf books, connecting their outdoor learning to literacy.
Digging Into Place-based Learning
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Students spent the day outdoors digging in the soil and planting bulbs through the Bulbs4Kids program. The excitement of getting their hands in the earth made this a joyful learning experience, and a wonderful example of place-based learning that connects students to the land and to the cycles of
Growing, Harvesting, Learning Together
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our primary students got their hands dirty the first week of school as they harvested the carrots they planted last spring! Being outside together gave students a chance to connect their learning to the land, experience the seasons full circle, and celebrate the rewards of working (and learning!
Building Skills and Connections Through First Aid Training
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
We welcomed our local community paramedic to teach a hands-on "Stop the Bleed" training session to our senior students. The session emphasized the importance of acting quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
Outdoor Learning In Action – Playground Polygons
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Today, our primary students stepped outside the classroom and into the sunshine and fresh air for a fun and hands-on math activity: Playground Polygons! Armed with sidewalk chalk and masking tape, learners explored geometry in a creative and active way.
Take Me Outside Winter Challenge
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Students at Tatla Lake School embraced the outdoors as part of the Take Me Outside Winter Challenge! Sponsored by Take Me Outside, the challenge encouraged students across the country to connect with nature and stay active outside during the winter months.
Cross Country Skiing in Tatla Lake
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our school is proud to bring place-based learning to life through a weekly cross-country skiing program, supported by the Tatla Lake Ski Club. This initiative connects students with the outdoors while promoting physical activity and an appreciation for nature.
Wild & Immersive Program at Tatla Lake
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Students recently participated in a Wild & Immersive learning experience at Tatla Lake, where they explored their local environment through hands-on activities and practical skill-building.
Gavin Lake Forestry Camp - Outdoor School Program
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our grade 5-7 class spent three incredible days at Gavin Lake Forestry Camp, coinciding perfectly with Take Me Outside Day! The camp's outdoor school program provided an enriching learning experience, allowing students to engage in activities like archery, canoeing, beaver habitat exploration, and
Fall Harvest
Tatla Lake Elementary/Junior
Our school enjoyed a fall harvest field trip to a local garden, where students had the opportunity to dig up root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and beets. The harvest was a hands-on way for students to learn about where their food comes from and the importance of local farming.