During Green Week, we experienced school differently by taking learning outdoors. Spending time outside is beneficial. Many studies show that children who play outside are happier, more attentive and less anxious than those who spend most of their time indoors.
The learners and teachers at DSS focused on spending time in nature and developing a deeper appreciation for God’s creation. There was a specific subject focus for each day of the week: For Monday, the Sciences and Economics went green. On Tuesday, it was Maths. On Wednesday, it was Art that took a turn outside. On Thursday, the languages went green and on Friday, sport and PT took their turn.
Nature is a great teacher because it reflects the Creator, our God. Can you ever go wrong teaching and learning in nature?
MONDAY, 17 AUGUST
Creation makes science possible because God created the universe with order and purpose. He established patterns and laws in nature that we can observe, study and understand. Because God is consistent, we can expect the natural world to behave in predictable ways, allowing scientific investigation and discovery. Science is all about observing, testing and repeating and drawing conclusions about how things work. On Monday inspiring activities took place throughout the school in the Sciences and Economics classes.
TUESDAY, 18 AUGUST
Tuesday saw classes doing Maths in amazing ways. Measuring, collecting data, identifying patterns and shapes, using natural materials to explore algebra, patterns and ratios. Let’s not forget about the snail race that happened in the Grade 6 Maths class. What fun!
WEDNESDAY, 19 AUGUST
On Wednesday, art took the forefront. So much inspiration, colours, shapes and concepts are derived from nature and there is no end to nature’s creativity. Learners created nature collages using leaves, sticks, flowers. They did leaf printing and outdoor painting and a host of other things.
THURSDAY, 20 AUGUST
Thursday combined languages – Afrikaans, English and IsiZulu – with nature. The morning assembly was focused on languages and how they are intertwined with nature. What a pleasure! Reading, writing, exploring with words and phrases – all outside.
FRIDAY, 21 AUGUST
Friday was the final day of Green Week. PT, sport and outdoor activities were the focus. FP and IP learners went on hikes, had picnics and played games. What an end to a fabulous week.
