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OVERALL GOALS OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION
1. Learn to grow sustainably, efficiently and ethically

2. Nurture sensibility

3. Nourish personal responsibility and communality

4. Be connected to nature and be a steward

5. Understand "pattern" in nature to learn from it.

6. Practice all of the above in the context of maintaining our own campus, outdoor garden/learning spaces and neighboring public areas
 outdoor learning
See how magical that is, the soil! Don't forget to plant the seeds!
Our project-based curriculum aims to be fun, hands-on, and engaging for all.
We are guided by sustainable permaculture practices that are seasonal, site specific, ecological, resource conscious, ethical, organic and non-toxic.
We encourage students to learn from each other and from everything they notice in nature (even a weed has so much to teach!).
We are establishing an outdoor classroom environment in contrast to what students experience indoors and so we will emphasize close observations of nature and direct action through activities that directly support and care our sustainable and edible landscape in the school campus.
We invite guests, teachers, professionals, and experienced community members to share their knowledge and expertise about gardening and permaculture practices. Our assessments are holistic and qualitative, focusing on participation, curiosity, initiative, and commitment.

We have been working with sustainability and environmental classes and plan to engage more students in the Clinton-campus, especially the ones in Science, Biology, Engineering, Art and English by offering resources available throughout JBOLC.
We also plan to engage them in specific sustainability -related projects to come up with solutions.
Classroom visit by first graders from PS 4, The Duke Ellington School - Tuesday, May 9 2018
Older kids teaching younger kids; students from ESL class, Bronx Colliation High School teach them about worm bin           composting.
Older kids teaching younger kids; students from ESL class, Bronx Colliation High School teach them about worm bin composting
They, accompanied by several volunteers visited one of our outdoor learning centers, Meg's garden & Edible forest. ESL students from Ariel class of Bronx colliation HS greeted and showed them around gardens and took charge in teaching them about gardening matters including worm-bin composting.

Later, they had a picnic; to their surprises, Ray brought home-made delicious healthy salad made with lettuces and culinary herbs harvested from the garden, and apple sauce muffin prepared with rescued apples from the school cafeteria, and herbal garden tea to accompany.
Learning from grandmother!
Notice their faces beaming with joys
See their faces beaming with joy. Who is dozing off here?
These little boys are serious about gardening
These little boys are serious about gardening
Already holding hands!
Already holding hands!
Class visit from PS 125 - Tuesday, May 9 2017
Our awesome second grade supporters from PS 125 return to adore our garden and discover its wonders. This will be the third year that Behind the Book Executive Director and Founder Jo Umans has helped organize this trip of students from Harlem. We can once again hear the wonderful questions and witness the brilliant curiosity of these visiting youngsters.
the second graders return to the gardens
These 2nd graders were no match for our excellent sustainability student big brothers and sisters two years ago when PS 125 first visited DeWitt Clinton High School
showing worms tp he visitors
And if you're inviting 2nd graders into your garden, it might be a good idea to have some worms on hand
JAMES BALDWIN OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER