For Teacher Appreciation Week, 13 Action News is highlighting some of the teachers in the valley who go above and beyond for their kids. One kindergarten teacher is taking her class out of the classroom.
"It's a classroom without walls," says Ms. Lisa of Discovery Charter School. "We're building fine motor skills, we're building core strength, and gross motor skills. All that translates into academics in the classroom."
It's #TeacherAppreciationWeek and I'm introducing you to this awesome teacher who holds class outdoors! Story on https://t.co/x6B4YuEkF0 pic.twitter.com/nzrS1TBYik
— Marissa Kynaston (@marissaktnv) May 7, 2018
Ms. Lisa teaches kindergarten at Discovery Charter School, and once a week, she holds what she calls "Forest Friday."
It's a chance for her five and six year olds to get out into nature, and learn things they may not be able to in a traditional classroom.
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"I love that my kid gets to get outside, get some physical activity, and learn about nature," says one parent, Angela Blagg.
Studies show a new environment can add excitement to discussions, and may improve student concentration. That's why Ms. Lisa says she brings her kids outside. She says it's a chance for them to recover from mental fatigue.
"I feel this place is really healing," says Ms. Lisa. Holding class outdoors isn't just healing for her students, it's healing for Ms. Lisa too.
Last month, she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. It's something only one in five people diagnosed recover from.
Ms. Lisa says just how she fought for her kids' education, she'll fight this battle too.
"I love being able to share my passion of nature, and being outside with my kids, that's really healing," says Ms. Lisa.
Parents have set up a GoFundMe account for Ms. Lisa to help with her medical costs.
