Getting Creative Outdoors in Covid Times

Léman International Academy | Geneva, Switzerland

At Léman International Academy (LIA) near Geneva, Switzerland they’re trying something new. “School in Nature” is a program where once a month students have their classes outside for most of the day.

Recently, they spent time in a forest, built a campfire and made soup together. Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 also identified different animal tracks and made a den, using only natural materials they could find in the woods. The younger grades went on a listening walk and learned about the variety of textures, shapes, and colors of the autumn leaves. They also found interesting objects and brought them back to school for their next artwork project.

School in Nature helps keep classes interesting, while meeting all the protocols necessary during Covid. While outside in the forest, students and staff experienced snow, hail, rain, and sun…all in one day!

A teacher summed up November’s School in Nature day this way: “Tired (and a bit muddy) we returned to school for a nice hot tisane (herbal tea) and a dry pair of socks!”

They currently have 31 students between the ages of 3 and 12 years old, split between 3 classes. The bilingual English/French school has been operating since 2010. Their academic program meets both Swiss and North American standards.

And yes, they are planning to continue their School in Nature program throughout the winter. Hot tea anyone?

Pray for Léman International Academy:

• Pray for the staff at LIA. The small school has had significant challenges in 2020 and again in 2021. The close-knit group has worked hard to ensure the school can continue. For a list of staff openings at the school check out our opportunity board.
• Pray for their upcoming move and fundraising efforts to purchase up to 4 new portable classrooms. They recently looked at a property that may be a good option. Pray for wisdom as they make this decision. They want to reach out in an even greater way to families in the surrounding area. You can donate here.