Bringing Learning to Life for Grade Three at Chatfield Hollow State Park
By Julie Schlossinger, Associate Head of School and Head of Lower School
I recently had the wonderful opportunity to join our Grade Three students on their Fall Outdoor Education Trip to Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth, Connecticut, bringing learning to life. Organized by Assistant Director of Athletics and Physical Education, Carley Elkin, this trip was much more than a day in the woods — it was a culmination of weeks of hands-on, cross-curricular learning that perfectly reflects Renbrook’s mission to bring learning to life.
Preparing for Adventure
Before setting out on their journey, our third graders spent several weeks learning and practicing skills right here on campus. In STEM class with Ms. Wawzyniecki, they explored the ecology of a forest and the science behind the changing colors of autumn leaves. They discovered that while leaves appear green in summer, other pigments — yellows, oranges, and reds — are hidden beneath the chlorophyll and revealed in the fall.
In Physical Education with Mr. Mirando and Ms. Elkin, students learned what it takes to be a thoughtful and prepared hiker. They practiced balance and pacing on uneven terrain, discussed proper footwear, learned how to plan routes, navigate naturally, and follow Leave No Trace principles to care for the environment.
With Mr. Sully and Ms. Elkin on Renbrook’s Climbing Wall, they developed confidence and coordination as they learned about climbing equipment, technique, and safety — lessons that prepared them for real outdoor climbing.
And in Language Arts with Mr. Digel and Mrs. Mauke, students focused on “show, not tell” writing, learning to use sensory details and vivid descriptions to paint pictures with words — the perfect skill for capturing their experiences in nature.
A Day of Discovery
When the big day arrived, the students were ready! At Chatfield Hollow Park, surrounded by the brilliant colors of fall, they stepped into a living classroom. They hiked trails, climbed rock faces, wrote in nature journals, and explored the forest floor, identifying mosses, ferns, fungi, and more.
Students also put their science skills to work by collecting leaves and conducting a leaf chromatography experiment, revealing the pigments that make fall so spectacular. Their excitement and curiosity were contagious — it was truly joyful learning in action!
Learning Beyond the Classroom
At Renbrook, we believe that nature is one of the best teachers. Outdoor education helps children grow not just academically, but also socially, emotionally, and physically. It encourages curiosity, courage, and collaboration while fostering a deep respect for the natural world.
Trips like this help students develop problem-solving skills, take healthy risks, and connect what they’ve learned in the classroom to the wider world around them. It’s a powerful reminder that learning happens everywhere.
Gratitude and Pride
I am so proud of our Grade Three students for embracing this experience with such enthusiasm, wonder, and care. Watching them work together, challenge themselves, and make connections between disciplines was inspiring.
And of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible creativity, planning, and dedication of our teachers and staff. Their work ensures that each Renbrook student not only learns about the world — but experiences it firsthand.
This trip was a shining example of what we mean when we say Renbrook is bringing learning to life.