Our Outdoor Classroom
Our outdoor classroom takes place in our Environmental yard, on a regular basis.
Nature inspired learning provides the best materials for creative and imaginative play.
This natural area is where children have the freedom and space to use materials that have different forms, textures and size, like:
- stones;
- bark pieces;
- log rounds;
- sticks;
- shell;
- pine cones; and
- seed pods.
The addition of these loose parts provides the ultimate open-ended investigation, allowing children complete autonomy in manipulating where and how their play unfolds.
Children who play in natural setting play in more diverse, imaginative and creative ways and show improved language and collaboration skills (Nature Play 2018).
We’ve been spending time in nature, weaving and wrapping natural found objects with wool.
This experience builds their hand-eye coordination and bi-lateral coordination.
Bilateral coordination refers to the ability to coordinate both sides of the body at the same time in a controlled and organized manner; for example, stabilizing paper with one hand while writing/cutting with the other. Good bilateral integration/coordination is an indicator that both sides of the brain are communicating effectively and sharing information.
Studies have shown that children who get to experience and outdoor learning environment tend to be more attentive and have a better recollection of the information that was shared.
Children are also more focused once they return indoors.
They are also more motivated to work together in groups, which can improve their social skills and their ability to cooperate with their peers in a more effective manner.
Most children learn better by using their senses. Outdoor learning provides children with hands-on experiences in nature.
These hands-on experiences cultivate a love of nature and gets children interested in our natural environment.
That’s all from Patti and the Sea turtles for this month.
Also please follow our Facebook and Instagram Pages and stay up to date
