Bellingham High School Teacher Kesia Micheletti welcomes students to class.
Wild Whatcom is best known for our youth programs: Explorers Club, Neighborhood Nature (after school), Nature Preschool, and Summer Camps.
But did you know that we also offer free school programs in five districts across Whatcom County?
One of those programs is SEED, which serves K-12 students who spend part or all of their day in special education classrooms. According to the research study Disabilities, urban natures and children’s outdoor play, “Children with special needs tend to visit green space less often than typically developing children”.
Our local special education partners agree. One elementary school teacher told us:
“Oftentimes, students with disabilities come from homes that are overwhelmed and impacted. Getting outdoors is often not a priority, or manageable for a parent or parents. This program has provided opportunities for my students to engage with the world around them and learn about their community. I notice that after Wild Whatcom [outings], my students come back to class more regulated in tune with themselves and their surroundings, increasing their ability to positively engage throughout the rest of their school day.”
To better understand the SEED experience, we spoke to Kesia Micheletti, Special Education Teacher at Bellingham High School. For the past three years, Kesia has partnered with Wild Whatcom to offer SEED to students in both secondaryl and elementary school classrooms.
Wild Whatcom: Why did you decide to start working with Wild Whatcom?
Kesia: (SEED) was a program I inherited at the elementary level, then when I moved to the high school, I was excited to learn that it was at that level too!
Wild Whatcom: How would you describe your working relationship with Wild Whatcom?
Kesia: The staff are incredible and always come with such infectious joy for outdoor education.
Wild Whatcom: What are the most significant impacts of SEED for your students?
Kesia: It is rare that students with significant disabilities get to enjoy the outdoors through an educational lens, so it is awesome that this programming is offered in Whatcom County!
Wild Whatcom: Do you have an example of the benefits for an individual student?
Kesia: (I had) a student in elementary school who would escape from spaces such as the classroom or cafeteria frequently so I was nervous when we were planning our first trip out into nature; but this student became calm, focused, and stayed with the group with very positive contributions to learning outdoors. This continued all year. He truly enjoyed the outdoors and I think did his best learning when we were outside.
Wild Whatcom: What is a SEED activity that has been a hit with your students?
Kesia: They love it when there is something they make or use in nature. For example one big hit was the paper towel binoculars. They also enjoyed collecting things to make bee homes from paper towel holders as well.
Wild Whatcom: How does Wild Whatcom support you as an educator to participate in SEED?
Kesia: I love that they are always willing to support me in my planning for before and after. They all come with fantastic ideas of how to serve all levels of students and they never shy away from any level of learner! They differentiate with materials so all can enjoy!
Kesia Micheletti has been a Special Education Teacher for 19 years. She mostly taught in adaptive classrooms her entire career for Portland Public Schools (at the high school and transition age programs), and recently joined the Bellingham School District; she teaches at Bellingham High School, and has also taught at Cordata Elementary school. She believes that outdoor education is one the most inclusive spaces we can serve all students and sees the benefit in and out of her classroom for students spending time in nature.
Want to support inclusive outdoor education for students throughout Whatcom County? Donate today!