Gisela's Nature Nook

Today (February 19, 2026) I was finally able to visit the back of the cafeteria to explore our newly named garden patch, Rainbows, Roots, and Flower Garden. It is beginning to wake up, and there are already a few things you can point out to students during your nature walks.

As you head outside, consider bringing a small Exploration Bag with you. This can include:

• Child-safe binoculars

• Magnifying lenses

• Child-sized clipboards

• Measuring tape/ruler

• Paper and pencils for sketching or “scientist notes”

These simple tools help children slow down, observe more carefully, and feel like true nature explorers. In the future, we hope to have a classroom box with these materials ready for you to use with the students.

As you visit the space, encourage children to:

• Look closely at the ground and notice any signs of new growth.

• Observe colors, textures, and shapes they see in nature.

• Listen for birds and other sounds that remind us spring is on its way.

• Ask questions and share what they notice — scientists always observe first!

If you come up with additional ideas or meaningful connections, please share them with me so we can continue to grow this learning space together.

As I visit the other two garden areas, I will keep you updated on any changes and provide suggestions for how you can explore those spaces with your students.

Thank you for helping bring nature into our children’s everyday learning!

Smiles,
Gisela