As a second grade teacher, I have watched children arrive in our classrooms carrying more stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges than ever before. Many students are struggling with focus, resilience, self-regulation, and connection. When children are overwhelmed or disconnected, meaningful learning becomes challenging.

This year, I am introducing Earth Time, a weekly outdoor learning experience where my students will step beyond the four walls of our classroom and into the woods.

Earth Time is not a break from learning, it's a different way of learning.

Through hands on experiences outdoors, students will practice critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, perseverance, and emotional regulation. Research continues to show that time outdoors supports attention, creativity, resilience, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. We cannot separate emotional well-being from academic achievement. Emotional regulation is not merely added benefit of being outdoors, it's the foundation that all meaningful learning is built on.

To make Earth Time accessible for every student, I am raising money to purchase a class set (20) of quality rain suits and bright orange safety hats (for hunting season), and a 6 pairs of rain boots. These materials will remove barriers, ensuring that every child can participate in Earth Time regardless of the weather or their family's financial situation.

My goal is to create a learning environment that welcomes children as they are while fostering the foundational skills needed not only for academic achievement, but for navigating the challenges of life with perseverance and resilience.

Your donation will directly purchase these items to create the conditions where children can regulate, connect, belong, and learn outside.

Thank you for helping bring Earth Time to life and for investing in the future of our children!