Monday was our first day in the rural town of Invermere, B.C. – we woke up early and arrived at J.A. Laird Elementary School (Grade 4-7) at 8:00am. At first glance, the school and the environment is absolutely beautiful… Large green space for students to play, looming mountains as the backdrop, a lot of play equipment for students, and a clean and safe space for these students to play.
J.A. Laird Elementary School
Environment – Green Space
Playground
In comparison to my practicum school, this outdoor environment is completely different… My 10-week placement was in West Vancouver, and the outdoor environment consisted of a fenced in gravel field, and a large playground. This play-space in Invermere is massive by comparison and seems to facilitate well-developed and strategic play; which the school in West Vancouver lacked due to the smaller space available to expand/develop play further.
Another observation I made was the influence of physical activity on families and students in Invermere, a lot of students walk, ride their bikes, or scooter to school (except those that live in nearby towns who undoubtedly need to use the school bus). I have been parents riding their bikes and/or walking their children to and from school too! This prevalence of engaging in physical activity is reflective of the environment and the activities these families engage in on a regular basis.
Bikes at J.A. Laird Elementary
It was a fantastic first day, the staff were all friendly and helpful and the students were all so pleasant! Seems to be a great place to gain new insight and strategies into teaching and I am looking forward to the rest of the week!