Mahtomedi's youngest learners ages 4-8 have an opportunity through Mahtomedi Community Education to let their imaginations roam in an outdoor learning program called Curiosity Club. Students recently gathered after school for the first session this season, called Winter Wonders. After donning their snow gear in preschool teacher Ms. Amanda’s classroom, they trekked into the snowy woodlands behind Wildwood Elementary, and let their curiosity soar.
Winter Wonders marks the fifth session of Curiosity Club. This opportunity is a favorite of many students, who have returned repeatedly since the club was first created by Ms. Amanda last year in partnership with Mahtomedi Community Education. During this winter session, students meet once a week from late February through early March to explore, play, and interact with the natural world.
Students spent their recent meeting learning about different animal tracks such as deer, bobcat, rabbit, squirrel, and turkey. They then explored the woodlands, searching the snow and excitedly signaling to each other when they found tracks.
When asked about how she cultivates curiosity in young learners, Ms. Amanda shared how the club is very child-led. Each day, she has an overarching theme and may ask kids to look for something in nature or take a particular route, but she leans in on their discoveries: “They are always so excited about sharing what they’ve found with each other, which has been really fun to see.” One time, while they were on one of their hikes, they even found a group of mice in a tree, which the students who are returners talk about to this day!
During the summers, Ms. Amanda works at nearby nature camps. She also loves getting outdoors with her own kids, going on hikes, and playing outdoors. When asked about leading Curiosity Club, she shared: “It’s something that I’m really passionate about, and I’m excited that we have the opportunity to have a club like this at school and to get these kids to go outside and just enjoy this time together.”
Click here to watch a video about Curiosity Club's first Winter Wonders session .