By James Logan Healthy Eagle reporters | James Logan Elementary’s first-ever outdoor classroom is going to be an exciting experience for all kids, promises Mr. Grill, Logan’s principal.
Mr. Grill told Healthy Eagle reporters he’s excited for this project to start because “it gives the students an opportunity to learn outside and get fresh air.”
Green spaces are good for kids, because if they don’t spend enough time outside, they can get sick in body and mind, according to Dr. Roxane Javadi, a pediatric resident at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, who was interviewed in 2021 by Healthy NewsWorks reporters. Having an outdoor space can help kids by “giving them vitamin D from the sun, which helps them connect with nature and other people, [which] are important for staying healthy,” Dr. Javadi said at the time.
Green spaces can help people by improving their mood, reducing stress, and improving attention and ability to focus, according to the Yale Environment 360 article “Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health.”
At Logan, community partners and Mr. Eli Prosper, community school manager, discussed creating an outdoor classroom for students
at Logan. The Healthy Eagle asked Mr. Grill about the plans in a recent interview. Our questions and his answers have been lightly edited.
Question: What inspired you and the school to make the outdoor classroom?
Mr. Grill: The main goal is to expose the students to a different environment than they are used to. We are used to learning at our seats and at our desks. This will give the students an opportunity to learn in a different environment with their peers.
Q: Who came up with the idea? Who are the parties involved?
Mr. Grill: It was a collective idea between myself, Mr. Eli, Ms. Brady [Logan’s assistant principal], Mr. Washington [the school’s climate manager], community partners, counselors, and some teachers to get the outdoor space up and thriving.
Q: Do you have a plan for what the outdoor classroom will look like? What kind of furniture, technology, or resources will be outside?
Mr. Grill: We are thinking of some- thing that the students will love. We want the kids to have input for the classroom. Especially the fourth and fifth graders. We know that there will be tree stumps for seating. Some students will be able to plant trees donated by the community partners. Technology hasn’t been decided yet. We will ask students for feedback about what they want.
Q: How long will it take to build the outdoor classroom? Do you have a completion date in mind?
Mr. Grill: We don’t have a date in mind. The goal is to have it done in the next year, depending on what the School District of Philadelphia will approve. When working with different partners, it can take six to 12 months, depending on when things get done.
Q: What class will be allowed to use the outdoor classroom? How will teachers get the chance to bring their own students into the outdoor classroom?
Mr. Grill: All classes will be able to use it. All grades, specials, after-school programs will be able to enjoy what the outdoor classroom has to offer. One or two classes will be able to use the outdoor classroom at a time. Teachers can reserve the classroom by using a sign-up sheet. Students can also use their PBIS points to get a chance to use the outdoor classroom.
Q: Will it be open for use during inclement weather?
Mr. Grill: Thinking about inclement weather, it may not be open. We haven’t decided if there will be a covering for inclement weather. One idea we have in mind is to have a tent outside in the outdoor space so then we can still utilize it during inclement weather.
Q: What are the challenges you may anticipate with this new outdoor classroom?
Mr. Grill: One challenge we may have is to get it to come to life. There are a lot of different people that are working to get it to be completed. Once it is done, ensuring that we have a schedule in place, then everyone can equitably get to use it every day.
Q: Do you plan to have a big grand opening or celebration to unveil the new classroom?
Mr. Grill: You know I love a good party. We will definitely have a party and celebrate the grand opening.
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
Mr. Grill: I want to emphasize that it is a space for the students. We need to add in ideas and suggestions. As we get the plans up and going to make it a space, you will be the ones using it. We want to make it for you.
Illustration by Aubree, fifth grade, Wm. Cramp, 2023–24.
