Living Classroom, the Los Altos School District’s garden-based education program, is seeking volunteer docents to teach outdoor and nature-based lessons in science, math and social studies.
The Living Classroom project was founded in 2008. The trained docents work alongside professional educators and teach lessons for grades TK through sixth and help care for the school gardens.
Shelley Brown, a volunteer docent with Living Classroom, called the education program one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences she’s had.
“What attracted me initially was the exceptional curriculum, the comprehensive volunteer training, and the outstanding program leadership and volunteers and docents,” she said. “What keeps me engaged is the enthusiastic response we get from students, teachers, and parents to our Living Classroom lessons.”
Caroline Chan, the Living Classroom program coordinator, said there are about 500 lessons taught each years across the educational spectrum. Students will typically traverse California native plant gardens and edible gardens as part of their tutelage, she said.
“Our lessons tie into the existing curriculum and state standards. And it’s helping teachers meet their learning goals as well,” she said. “Students are engaging in hands-on learning and experiential learning instead of sitting in a classroom with a textbook.”
The winter docent training will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 15, Jan. 12, Jan. 26 and Feb. 2 at the Los Altos School District iLearn Studio at 201 Covington Road in Los Altos (apprentice-style training is also offered for individuals who can’t attend the Monday classes).
Those interested are asked to call (650) 947-1103 or email li*************@*********ls.org.
