Design Process

WED-A04: Storytelling in the Schoolyard: Crafting the Narrative for Nature-based Learning Environments

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM PT

1.25 PDH, LA CES/HSW

Speaker(s)

Jennifer Zell, ASLA (she/her/hers)

Director of Regenerative Design Studio
MIG, Inc.
Long Beach, California
Hongjoo Kim, ASLA, PLA

Principal
HKLA
Los Angeles, California
Julia E. Hawkinson, FAIA, LEED AP (she/her/hers)

Facilities Asset Development Director
Los Angeles Unified School District
Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles Unified is working towards the goal of 30% green/natural schoolyards. Incorporating story into schoolyard design inspires students to learn outdoors and supports nature-based learning. Storytelling can be narrative, based on a children’s story, a natural habitat story, or a story of the history of a place.

Learning Outcomes:

Articulate the benefits of outdoor learning for K-12 outcomes to advocate for school district support for urban greening.
Apply the value of outdoor, nature-based learning to develop inclusive schoolyard strategies that engage and inspire students, especially those with limited access to nature.
Examine the challenges and role of design and maintenance strategies in creating environmental stewardship and a culture of care.
Use storytelling methods to engage and support spontaneous, self-directed play and develop places that shape and expand minds, spark creativity, and invigorate student learning.