ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Teachers at Longfellow Elementary School in Rochester are thinking outside the box when it comes to student learning.
This year, the school launched its hammock garden, a component of its three-phase outdoor classroom project.
The project is inspired by Longfellow’s previous one at its old school building.
Bobbi Frahm’s 5th-grade classroom uses the garden at least once a week for silent reading time.
“This is like the first time in years that they’ve had that ability to get comfy cozy while they’re reading,” Frahm said.
Some students say they can concentrate more when outside.
“I think the breeze is just nice today, and it’s a lot more quiet out here than in my classroom,” said Serenity Benton, a student in Frahm’s class.
The project is being funded by a $2,000 Mayo Clinic community engagement grant.
Scheel’s donated more than 30 hammocks, available for students to use.
The installation of the garden was all volunteer work.
Classes of all grade levels are encouraged to sign up to use the hammock garden.
Next is phase two of the project, which includes building an outdoor classroom with benches and teaching spaces.
Phase three entails an outdoor natural playscape and a running track.
Once Pinewood students start their first day of school, they’ll be able to use the hammock garden as well.
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