Living Classroom Learning Lab is a K-5 nature based curriculum. Each lesson in the LCLL curriculum uses an inquiry-based learning approach in asking the children a question which they try to answer throughout that lesson. As they investigate, the children’s “wonderings” can lead to further topics to explore in that or future lessons. The lessons culminate in a product each child creates which illustrates the child’s knowledge of the topic. Most products are in the language arts field, such as illustrated poetry, analogies and similes, informative paragraphs, brochures, journals, and posters . There are others, however, where the children will undertake a process to produce the end product. This happens as the children experience the life cycle of a seed “in” nature: from planting a seed in the classroom, to its growing into a mature plant in the garden, to the harvesting of the vegetable or flower, to gathering the new seeds that will begin the planting process all over again.
Lessons learned in The Living Classroom help children connect with nature, and help them understand why that connection is important. Children experience nature first hand in The Living Garden, getting real world lessons on plants, animals, soil, ecosystems, biodiversity, sustainability and more.