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What's 
Growing On?

What Living Classroom Taught Me

4/16/2021

13 Comments

 
Eight years ago I taught my first Living Classroom lesson, “Life Cycle of a Tomato” for a class of 24 second
graders. I could hardly believe my new job was to take students outside (during the school day!) to teach
environmental education lessons. That first lesson was a blur--anxiously I stumbled through the vocabulary
words, corralled the students through several activities, and ensured the parent volunteers were set up with
the necessary materials to assist. The hour flew by as the students squashed tomatoes with glee for seed
saving. Before I knew it, they were in a line to head back into the classroom.
I asked the teacher how she thought the lesson went. She said, “I think you need to slow down.”
I exhaled. She was right--why was I rushing the students through this experience? I had the opportunity to
let this hour together outdoors be truly meaningful, to let kids explore, discover, and feel joy. Here’s a
chance to bring what they are learning in their science textbooks to life through engaging, real world
activities.

One of our students said it best, “I like this program (Living Classroom) because a kid can go outside and get
dirty. Most of all, a kid can do the real stuff.” As environmental educators we get the unique opportunity, and
responsibility, to slow down with students and point out the “real stuff.” We get to say, “Look! THIS is nature,
and it’s right outside your door. See this leafy green top? Yes, you can pull it! You really have to yank it! Wow!
Can you believe it? That’s how carrots grow! Isn’t it like magic?” It’s understanding that an heirloom gets
passed down from generation to generation, an item to treasure, and seeds can be heirlooms too. They will
produce colors and flavors beyond our imaginations. It’s discovering that milkweed plants grow right outside
the classroom window and we walk by it everyday. That plant holds the secret for keeping an entire butterfly
species in existence. It’s noticing how your entire heart lifts up as you watch that Monarch land on the
milkweed, like there is some kind of order to our world. It’s how we plant tiny seedlings, how they only
measure up a few inches tall on our rulers, but we will troop back after weeks turn into months and they are
still there, only now proud and bursting, ready to be harvested. It’s patiently watching seeds sprout into green
spades of grass, into beds of wheat, that we will lovingly harvest, thresh, and grind into flour, that we will
bake into bread to understand what it means to be a producer, to be someone who creates.

Through Living Classroom I have met phenomenal teachers who have taught me how to engage students in
our curriculum. World class gardeners have taught me the importance of native plants and habitats. I will hold
all of this close in my next adventure, but what I will cherish most is the thousands of bright and curious
children who have helped me learn the importance of slowing down and appreciating the wonders that exist
in a seed, a leaf, or a beetle’s wing.
​
Last week I taught my last lesson as a member of the Living Classroom staff, and it was “Life Cycle of a
Tomato.” The students and I took our time exploring the “real stuff” as we shared our favorite ways to eat
tomatoes, sketched out the plant’s life cycle with all of the glorious details, and explored varieties of
heirlooms. During my time at Living Classroom I hope to have planted a seed that will grow future
environmental stewards through the lessons we have created, the volunteers we have engaged, and what
the students discovered as they explored nature on their own schoolyards. Full circle, indeed!
13 Comments
Helen Wooldridge
4/23/2021 02:37:43 pm

Thank you, Mallory, for teaching me, as I learned through my volunteer experience with Living Classroom. I wish you the best of luck in your new endeavors. I know you will succeed and flourish.
Helen Wooldridge

Reply
Candice Stark
4/24/2021 02:42:49 pm

Mallory!!!!!!!!! What a gift you have been to Living Classroom and all those thousands of students whose hearts and minds you have touched. You will never really know how many lives you have influenced but, I can assure and you must know, you have had a huge impact and made an incredible difference in the lives of many young people, truly creating a love for our Mother Earth. Wishing you all the best on your life's journey. We look forward to see what is next for you. THANK YOU for all your hard work and dedication. Big hugs to you!

Reply
Linda Drey-Nightingale
4/26/2021 03:59:08 pm

Mallory,
Some of my favorite times were doing lessons with you and learning from your fabulous teaching techniques. I always liked it when the students would say "Aw-w Mallory is not coming today." and then I would try and think and engage them just like you do. The challenge was good for me and you brought this out. Your teaching went far beyond the students to the teachers, parents that helped, volunteers who learned from you. What a wonderful impact you have had for Living Classroom! Thank you and I wish you and Jess the best of luck.

Reply
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9/28/2021 04:35:42 am

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Chloe Lopez link
11/23/2021 01:39:05 am

You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Check out <a href=https://genevadiplomacy.ch/">International Relations In Switzerland</a>

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11/23/2021 10:53:55 pm

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12/18/2021 11:06:09 am

Before I knew it, they were in a line to head back into the classroom. I asked the teacher how shew! Thank you for the beautiful post!

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Abhishek link
1/13/2023 04:39:18 am

They may also discuss the impact of being in nature on their own personal growth, such as developing a deeper appreciation for the environment, and how it helped them to become more self-aware, resilient and empathetic.

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