Ecolab

Thanks to the hard work of many of our students and several incredible volunteers, our Ecolab provides Mercy students with experiences in nature during the school day.   Our preprimary division has incorporated Ecolab playdays into their curriculum with three and four-year-olds visiting once a week and Kindergarten students visiting twice a week.  Lower elementary students have access to the Ecolab during their recess.
  • Hiking Trails
  • Logs and natural wood blocks for building
  • Bird watching blinds
  • Hand-made water tables
  • Dirt digging boxes
  • Benches and tables made of natural material
  • Outdoor classroom

"According to research, children who spend time outdoors, in natural play environments, tend to be more active and are healthier, happier, and in most studies, even smarter.  The American Academy of Pediatrics, reports that, "Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength". As a teacher, I have noticed how the ecolab has provided us with a space to help children grow and explore. We find the children to be more engaged with one another and have better social interactions than they do during regular play times. Our beautiful and inviting outdoor space has given our students an entirely new dimension of learning,"

Preprimary Directress, Whitney Gleason