As a newcomer to Telluride, I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome than the one I received from the 3rd and 4th graders at Telluride Mountain School (TMS). Recently, they embarked on a project that combined the best practices of place-based learning, community exploration, and social-emotional growth in a way that left me physically, energetically, and emotionally rooted in my new home.
The students researched their favorite places in Telluride, whether a local shop, a beloved trail, or a landmark that holds special meaning to them. They created a map and itinerary, planned a “tour,” and then took me along as their guest. Their tour was full of enthusiasm and insight, but what stood out most was their empathy and compassion - as a new resident, I felt not only oriented to the geography of the town but humbly welcomed into the community.
|
|
|
|---|
This experience also reminded me why grounding the school year in a connection to place is so important. Place-based learning isn’t just about facts or locations - it’s about cultivating empathy, belonging, and stewardship to that place. Furthermore, by exploring our home in this way, the 3rd and 4th graders were learning far more than how to get around town. They were engaging with:
Geography and ecology by understanding the natural systems that shape the valley.
Recreation by appreciating the opportunities for joy, play, and healthy living that the surrounding natural places provide.
Community roles by recognizing the helpers, businesses, and organizations that make Telluride thrive.
Social-emotional growth by practicing how to share, guide, and empathize with someone new.
Through this project, the kids modeled the kind of curiosity, care, and connection that education at its best can spark - the result was not only a deeper connection with place, but with their new classroom community, and with me.
I am honored to be here, to engage with the innovative learning community that is TMS, and to support its mission to develop confident, curious students who passionately contribute to the world.
West Willmore, Ed.D.
Director of Advancement
Telluride Mountain School