Suncoast Credit Union

My goal is to provide students (and teachers) with an area outside to enjoy a different learning environment, as well as encourage a place to encourage conversation and rejuvenate!

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Restorative Power of Nature

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School:
Laurel Oak Elementary 
Subject:
Health/P.E. 
Teacher:
Rayna Overmyer 
Students Impacted:
25 
Grade:
Date:
September 14, 2020

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

 

Ray Harman, in honor of Karen Harman - $919.76

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Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 1000

The students and staff are loving the little outdoor area daily.  Students are using it before school to just sit and relax, and even our custodial staff has been seen relaxing after school.  There are times throughout the day that students are out their doing class work outside.  We even had a nest of baby bunnies that was talk of the school right outside under one of the chairs.  This area will continue to grow and provide a beautiful and relaxing spot on campus for all to enjy.

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LOE Baby Bunnies

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Favorite Before Morning Spot

 

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Just Chillin'

 

Original Grant Overview

Goal

My goal is to provide students (and teachers) with an area outside to enjoy a different learning environment, as well as encourage a place to encourage conversation and rejuvenate! 

 

What will be done with my students

Students and Teachers will enjoy time outside learning and relaxing in a different environment in a meaningful way, that will allow them to focus once they return into the classroom.

This area could be used as a place to teach a lesson, read, enjoy the fresh air, etc... the possibilities are endless.

 

 

Benefits to my students

Findings from a new study show that learning outdoors is not just a fun, novel experience for kids, but also helps them focus once they return to the classroom.

Natural environments have been linked to improved information recall, creative problem-solving and creative thinking. Additionally, outdoor experiences produce positive physiological and psychological responses, including reduced stress and a general feeling of well-being.

Social and behavioral well-being also is an important part of learning. It is well-documented that outdoor spaces have proven to have a positive effect on children with autism and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Creating spaces that accommodate the special needs of these children can provide a calming, therapeutic effect.

Other benefits include:
*More Attentive and Focused
*Better Test Scores
*Decreased Behavior Problems
*Overall improved health
 

 

Budget Narrative

The budget will allow me to purchase materials to set up a relaxing sitting area outside of our classroom. This area will be used by any teacher, staff member or class that would like time outside to read, learn or relax.  

 

Items

# Item Cost
1 table and chairs with umbrella $129.99
2 canopy with net 10x12 $279.99
3 bird feeders x2 $39.94
4 bench $172.81
5 picnic table $272.54
6 large teracotta pot $24.49
  Total: $919.76

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Special Thanks to Our Presenting Partners

Suncoast Credit Union