Weekly Reflection #5 – Learning Through Nature at Finnerty Gardens

For our technology class this past week, we gathered at Finnerty Gardens at UVic, where we had a gust speaker named Kirsten Pierce. Kirsten has been teaching Grade 7 at Monterey Middle School for the past 10 years. Throughout our visit, we discussed the importance of outdoor learning, using technology to document experiences, and finding ways to connect nature to the curriculum. We also explored the gardens in groups, scanning GQ codes that Michael had placed throughout the area to encourage us to reflect on our surroundings.

What?

One thing Kirsten said at both the beginning and end of our class that really stood out to me was, “Try all grades even if you don’t like it.” This connected to my own experience because, before starting Link2Practice, I was almost completely set on teaching kindergarten. When I found out I was placed in a Grade 4/5 classroom, I was nervous. However, after spending time in that classroom, I have already expanded my interests to teaching K-3.

Kirsten also emphasized the importance of always having a backup plan when using technology because it does not always work as expected. Another idea that stood out to me was the importance of allowing students to document their observations so they can revisit them later and remember what they learned.

So What?

During our walk through Finnerty Gardens, we scanned different QR codes that encouraged us to reflect on the environment. One QR code asked us to consider the history of the land and how it has changed over time. Another asked, “Can you build a curriculum using the environment as a resource and source of inspiration?” I loved this question because it encouraged us to look at nature differently and find connections to different subjects. For example, we considered what a spiderweb could teach us about geometry and structure, or how a fern could help students explore patterns.

I also really liked when Michael said, “Information is all around us.” This made me realize that learning opportunities are everywhere, and we don’t always need to be inside a classroom to teach meaningful lessons.

Now What?

As a future elementary teacher, this experience inspired me to incorporate more outdoor learning into my teaching. I especially liked the idea of bringing students back to the same outdoor location throughout different seasons so they can observe and document how the environment changes over time. I could see myself having students take photographs, draw observations, or use technology to record their discoveries.

This visit was honestly one of the highlights of my week! Finnerty Gardens was so peaceful and beautiful, and I loved being able to explore the area and take pictures of the different plants. It reminded me how enjoyable learning can be when we step outside the classroom. I hope to create similar experiences for my future students, where they can explore, ask questions, and discover connections between nature and what they are learning in school.