The Memorial Garden: An Ephemeral Environment

Wednesday, June 25, 2025
written by Sabrina Ball | Director of Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool & Kindergarten

In the Reggio Emilia Approach, the environment is considered the third teacher, providing an essential framework and actively participating in the child’s construction of knowledge. Our school campus provides a beautiful environment that enriches and expands on the learning that takes place in the classroom. Nature is highly sensory and engaging, with opportunities for unexpected discoveries. It also provides an environment of study full of possibilities for evolution. The fleeting elements create a sense of wonder and discovery. How will the vibrant colors of the flowers in the Memorial Garden change over time?

“I see these beautiful flowers. Can I draw them? They are a really beautiful color.”
“Why does that saguaro tree have a hole in it? Baby owls are in there.”
“It’s a barrel cactus.”
“Every cactus is different.”

Throughout the school year every class, ages 2.5 to 5 years, ventured out of the classroom and into the beauty of the desert. The Memorial Garden, tucked away behind two enormous wood doors, is one area that has particularly captured their attention. From the sound and feel of the water to the vibrant colors of flowers in varying stages of bloom, the Memorial Garden became a beloved space. Some children even gave the garden their own special names, such as the Miracle Garden and the Three Bridge Garden. The water streaming through the Memorial Garden captured the children’s attention as they noticed the sounds of the moving water and the bubbles emerging, joyfully delighting in the feel of the cool water on their fingers. 

“The water is going faster. It’s going under the bridge.”
“It’s so cold, it feels like an ice cube. Let’s pop the bubbles!”
“Hello bubbles, it’s nice to meet you.”
“That is a different sound than the other one.”

We noticed that each time we explored, the children’s curiosity grew. Each visit to the space cultivated a special relationship between the children and the environment. Surrounded by nature, children slowed down, noticed more details, and looked a little closer. The open landscape and fresh air had a calming effect, allowing children to focus and reset. A collection of the children’s work and study of the Memorial Garden is currently on display in the Church Sanctuary.