Spring Growth and Hands-On Learning at CLAS

It has been a busy and exciting season at Chiloquin Learns After School (CLAS)! As the weather has warmed up, students have been spending more time outdoors and getting their hands dirty in the greenhouse while learning about gardening, teamwork, science, and creativity.

One of our favorite projects this spring has been learning about the traditional “Three Sisters” planting method, which involves growing corn, squash, and beans together in harmony. Students learned how these plants support one another and why this method has been used for generations. The kids started by germinating seeds, carefully transplanting them into soil, and helping care for them each day in the greenhouse. Students have taken turns with daily watering duties and have loved watching their plants grow stronger week by week. Once the roots are ready, the plants will be transplanted into outdoor garden beds.

We also enjoyed another wonderful visit from the Klamath County Museum. During this presentation, students had the chance to hold real fossils and learn about dinosaurs and prehistoric life. The hands-on experience sparked a lot of curiosity and excitement as students explored history in a fun, interactive way.

Rainy spring days have brought opportunities for indoor teamwork and connection. Students have been learning new games that encourage older students to help teach and include younger participants, especially Kindergarten and 1st-grade students. It has been wonderful to watch friendships grow across grade levels as students build patience, leadership, and cooperation skills.

When the sun is shining, students have been staying active outdoors with volleyball, frisbee, paddle ball, basketball, and four square. These activities help students stay engaged, active, and connected after the school day ends.

Students have also been learning about money and economics in school, and CLAS has helped reinforce those lessons through a creative play store project. Students have been building and organizing their own pretend store to practice counting money, making purchases, and understanding how stores operate.

At CLAS, every day is filled with opportunities to learn, create, explore, and grow together. We are so proud of our students and thankful for the staff, volunteers, partners, and community members who help make this program possible.