Eco-Schools: Sensory-based Exploration and Play at P.S. 31

Written by in Family Fun

by Alison Schuettinger, PS 31 Greenpoint Eco-Schools Sustainability Coach

Last December, P.S. 31’s Green Wellness Committee formed as a subcommittee of the PTA. They focus on improving the nutritional, physical, environmental, and social-emotional well-being of the children at P.S. 31.  We adapted the mission from P.S. 110’s Green Wellness Committee and learned a lot from their previous and ongoing work. Parents were very interested in opportunities for children to engage in sensory experiences through play, touch, and nature.

To gather some inspiration, our Green STEAM Lab teacher, Jacqueline Tesoriero and DOE Sustainability Coordinator, Sheri Sankner took a field trip to visit the Brooklyn Arbor School, Brooklyn New School and Earth School to learn how schools were modeling outdoor classrooms.  All the schools have what is known as a “sensory bed” or a station for kids to dig in soil or sand and use different tools to engage with the natural material. This is a space where there is little to no instruction and no supervision. Kids get to be lost in their playtime. Parents wanted this kind of space at P.S. 31.

Before school started, families and our partner Nature Based created our first Sensory Bed out of a steel tank container with three different sections: 2 filled with compost and 1 with sand. Sensory tools were provided using funds from our Energy Challenge award last year. The sensory bed is used during recess time daily and is available for any class to incorporate into their lesson. The parents and teachers have inspired a shift in more outdoor and nature-based learning.

The best part is, the play wasn’t kept to just the sensory bed. Students began to explore the other overlooked plants growing next to the sensory bed by watering and pruning them. Second-grader Molly shared enthusiastically during recess over the sedum, “You know we’re not so different, plants and I. We both need light and water. I’m part animal. I’m really a wolf!” She continued by talking “wolf” and “dog” to me, and we both acted as animals among the plants.

It’s this kind of interaction that reminds me why I work in education and with nature.

* * *

More 2018 Greenpoint Eco-Schools articles from Go Green BK:

2017 Greenpoint Eco-Schools articles from Go Green BK:

2016 Greenpoint Eco-Schools articles from Go Green BK: