New Collaboration with Family Focus

The morning after the first big snowfall of the winter, BTLT educator Carey Truebe met up with 23 students at Bowdoin Central school to get outdoors and take advantage of the blank canvas of fresh snow before anyone else had tromped across the field— before school! After suiting up with boots and mittens, the group headed out to the field behind the school to stomp out giant spiral patterns, make snow angels, and set up the snowy tracks for a group tag game of “Fox and Geese” (on this morning adapted to “Weasels and Mice”). They played outdoors for 45 minutes of fresh air and snowy fun, until school buses started arriving and it was time for the school day to begin.

Outdoor sessions like this one are part of a new partnership between BTLT and Family Focus, with the goal of increasing outdoor play opportunities during before-school hours. Family Focus already provides before-school care programs at three local elementary schools – Williams Cone School and Woodside Elementary School in Topsham, as well as Bowdoin Central School in Bowdoin. On Wednesdays, the before-school program is an extra hour long, due to the “Wednesday Late Start” school schedule in their school district. During this extra hour of time, BTLT educators are excited to support Family Focus staff in providing outdoor opportunities for the students.

The sessions focus on outdoor play and nature exploration. So far, students have gone into the woods to look for squirrel homes, balanced on logs, and played active group games. Future adventures will include tracking, snowshoeing and, eventually, looking for signs of spring. Students are having fun, and have already chosen “Camouflage” as the group’s favorite game, requesting it most weeks. Teachers have shared appreciation for the new ideas to use with their students on other days as well. A win for both teachers and students!

In a time when students spend a lot of time on screens, outdoor play is increasingly important. Spending time outdoors before school helps students start the day more focused, calm, and ready to learn. Fresh air and physical activity boost energy levels and mood, and provide a mental reset before starting their school day.

This weekly outdoor program started in November, and will continue through mid-April, providing a total of 15 morning sessions, and impacting all 60 students in the program. In addition to offering a bit of learning about local animals, habitats, and outdoor skills, these morning sessions help students arrive at school feeling grounded and energized.