All of the senses were in play! Two pre-K classes at Belle Grove Elementary School participated in the WSA Mindfulness and Nature program on March 10, led by WSA Community Engagement Specialist Terryl Acker-Carter and Class 14 Steward Candidate Ren Grumbles. The 40-minute program began indoors with a review of the senses - sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch - and a lesson on how to breathe mindfully.

After wrapping up the first part of the lesson inside, it was time for the kids to explore the outdoors using all of their senses and put their learning to work. The little ones used objects they found, such as leaves and small flowers, and objects brought by WSA, such as pinecones, feathers, scented candles, and food to apply what they’d learned about using all of their senses to experience their surroundings and get curious about nature.

Here’s what some of the kids had to say:

“I heard a birdie”. – Kyleigh
“I tasted pretzels and looked with a green paddle”. – Gwen
“We were breathing with our noses and mouths”. – Stephanie
“I smelled a candle. It smelled good”. – Rocko
“We went on an adventure. The feather tickled my face”. - Caer

Class 14 Steward Candidate Ren Grumbles’ capstone project will be implemented at Belle Grove Elementary, too. Ren will also be working with the Judy Center – a community organization that supports families with early literacy development from birth to age three.

They are partnering to create a sensory pathway for the community. AACPS Green Schools Specialist, Julie Dieguez, will also be consulted on the design. The AAWSA Mindfulness and Nature Program was created by Watershed Steward Elizabeth Argo-Wilbanks for her Steward Class 12 capstone.