Kids in Muskoka have enviable summers \u2013 with the beach and the outdoors close at hand, it\u2019s all about carefree fun. In September, as the school year approaches, you can almost hear the collective groans echoing across the lakes. But what if school were almost like being at camp, complete with a beach and forest and outdoor fun? At Tawingo College, it is.<\/p>\n
Outdoor education for everyone<\/strong><\/p>\n The school\u2019s outdoor education focus starts right with its youngest students \u2013 the outdoor kindergarten program, which includes pre-K students, has them learning outside in all kinds of weather.<\/p>\n The school has indoor classrooms, of course, but outside is their other classroom \u2013 all of Tawingo\u2019s 270 acres are available to the teachers and their instructions are to take their students outside as much as possible. And they love it.<\/p>\n \u201cMany science classes take place outside \u2013 rather than read about a stream study, we do a stream study \u2013 and phys ed is outside because we don\u2019t have a gym,\u201d says Tawingo\u2019s principal Tia Pearse.<\/p>\n The kids are happiest outside so why not teach them when they are happiest? Then they equate learning with happiness. That\u2019s what we really solidify with our outdoor kindergarten program. They are such happy, peaceful, easy-going, helpful, and kind kids because they are outside all the time. That relationship they build with nature transfers to the relationships they build with each other.
\nTia Pearse, Principal at Tawingo College<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\t\t