Dear Parents,
I would like to introduce myself: my name is Nancy Wilson and I am a grade 8 teacher here at Manachaban Middle School. I facilitate a program called W.I.L.D. (wisdom inquiry learning doing). We have also implemented a Gr 8 French W.I.L.D. class which was brand new during the 2021-22 school year. The FI W.I.L.D. class is taught by Mr. Paulo Schafer. I thought I would send you a brief note explaining this program and then allow you and your child to discuss if you think it is a good fit for grade 8.
As I am sure you are aware, more research is being done about the value of authentic experiential learning and the benefits that Outdoor inquiry provides. 21st century learning is about exposure to real life connections, developing a knowledge of your local environment, developing a sense of place, blending technology with hands-on experiences; this is what we will be doing in the WILD grade 8 class next year. My focus will be on integrating the core curriculum with inquiry projects. As a generalist (I teach the students all the core subjects) it allows us the flexibility to head out to different study spots or travel to other “classrooms” to do our work as well as allowing more time to get work done (don’t need to move to another class when the bell goes.) We will still be covering all the grade 8 curriculum and we will still be doing a lot of classroom work and tests and assignments but students will also be spending time outside.
The main difference between my WILD class and the other grade 8 class is that I will probably do 2 or 3 overnight trips and more field studies away from the school. Collecting the fees ahead of time for these field trips will alleviate some logistics. If the cost of this program is a concern please talk to either administration or myself. This is just a guide of what we estimate the cost to be. Another difference between the grade 8 WILD program and the other class is that students in my class agree to come dressed for the weather and understand that we may be heading outside (even if it is raining or not ideal weather).
These are just a few of the 21st century learning competencies that can be easily delivered through Outdoor Experiential Education:
- Collaborative learning
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Social responsibility and cultural, global and environmental awareness
- Creativity and innovation
- Lifelong learning, self-direction and personal management
If you have any questions or concerns about this program please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Thank you,
Ms. Nancy Wilson, Grade 8 Teacher
Mr. Paulo Schafer, Grade 8 FI Teacher