Outdoor Classroom

Our playground has transitioned into an outdoor classroom with a block area, book corner, music area, dramatic play, gardening, and art center in addition to climbing, bike riding, and sand play. As the children explore in our outdoor classroom they are learning problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, and negotiation. We see our children navigate through obstacle courses building self-independence, making decisions while building in the sand together, get creative at the art center, negotiate in our mud kitchen, problem solve in our block area, and relax in nature at our book corner. Additionally, outdoor physical activity boosts endorphins and helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while increasing self-esteem, self-confidence, and creativity as well as sharper thinking.