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http://outdoorclassroomproject.org/

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Benefits of the Outdoor Classroom

Physical:

An increase in physical development, capability, and activity

Setting up patterns for an active, healthy lifestyle

Fewer children suffering from diseases such as obesity, Diabetes, and ADD/ADHD

Cognitive:

Stronger language, problem-solving, and communication skills through projects and group activity

Developing an interest in science and math through connecting with nature

Fostering learning through self-initiation, control, and personal responsibility

Psychological:

Happier

Higher, more positive self-esteem

Effective relationship building in a cooperative, non-competitive environment

Building a healthy and balanced internal psychology from time spent alone

Manifesting classroom harmony

Social-emotional mastery

Understanding:

Familiarity with and appreciation of nature

Wide, expansive view of how the world works

Building stewardship skills for the environment

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The Outdoor Classroom

In concert with modern child development research findings, the concept of the Outdoor Classroom is built upon the premise that children are complex beings. To nurture the whole child, early childhood education needs to follow the fundamental principle that children are learning everywhere and all the time. Instead of developmentally inappropriate early academics, children need a broad variety of learning experiences and opportunities to grow in areas such as gross and fine motor development, social-emotional development, language development, and creative expression. Mastery of the skills associated with these areas is critical for healthy development as well as later academic success, and requires an educational format that is very different from a traditional elementary classroom. The Outdoor Classroom evolves from the real needs of children, offers activities that are personally meaningful to them, and fully embraces developmentally appropriate practices in early care.

Characteristics of the Outdoor Classroom

Most activities that can be done indoors can be done outdoors. Some activities occur best outdoors; some can only occur outdoors.

Children spend substantial periods of time outside, and it is easy and safe for them to get there; they are free to move easily between the indoors and outdoors.

There is a full range of activities for children to participate in, including many activities that are traditionally thought of as “indoor activities.”

The outdoor space offers a balance of areas for physically active and less active play.

While outside, children frequently have the opportunity to initiate their own learning experiences and activities, with teachers available to support them.

The outdoor curriculum evolves from and changes with children’s changing needs and interests.

Children experience nature in as many ways as possible.

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http://www.naturalplaygrounds.com/before_and_after.php

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Here is an example of a possibility for a dramatic play space...

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Role play opportunities is of utmost importance indoors and out...

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http://www.imagineeducation.com.au/files/CHCECE018022/14.pdf

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Organization and safe places to store loose parts is key

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Organization and safe places to store loose parts is key

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With proper storage we teach:
-taking care of our classroom space
-responsibility and cleanliness
-sorting and organization
-maintaining the life span of important materials that are costly or time consuming to replace.

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Indoor- baskets container all made out of wood...NOT PLASTIC!!

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Indoor- baskets container all made out of wood...NOT PLASTIC!!

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Sand and water play is hugely important for sensory play and inquiry based learning. Creating a space that is open ended and encourages curiosity and learning is most important! Loose parts as well as stationary items help to expand the play scope...

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https://natureexplore.org/about-us/nature-explore-classrooms-look-like/

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All you need to start ordering and building play areas!!! See below:

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All you need to start ordering and building play areas!!! See below:

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http://shop.natureexplore.org/Natural-Products/

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http://outdoorclassroomproject.org/ocp-shop/

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http://www.redleafpress.org/Loose-Parts-e-book-P1185.aspx

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Owned by the school and reused each year:
http://www.rainydayzoforegon.com/products.html

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1.Easy open and close doors (ie...children can actually open them without help from an adult)
2. All play areas and cubby areas are at child height.
3. Storage, storage storage!!!
4. Access to water fountain outside and inside.
5. Access to clean up/slop sinks inside and outside.
6. Water spickets easily accessible outside.
7. Design in mind that teachers can view all areas easily.
8. Natural colors and elements used whenever possible.
9. Easy access to bathrooms and storage for extra clothing (inside and outside- hooks should do the trick).
10.  Teachers are able to get in and out of doors easily with key system.
11. Shade.
12. Sturdy materials and supplies

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Proper storage and placement is key!

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This would be great even without sand it would be a fun imaginative play space!

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We currently have 4 trikes but would like to expand this area of our program if possible...

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http://www.theempowerededucatoronline.com/2015/06/5-important-elements-to-include-in-your-natural-outdoor-play-space.html

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Earth Play Outdoor Classroom Supplies and Materials/Resources

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Earth Play Outdoor Classroom Supplies and Materials/Resources

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Design Consultant Services http://earthplay.net/

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Book do belong outdoors and so do language activities!

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Maybe something on a smaller scale with storage?

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Benches and bins can also be used:

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Engineering and Math is Part of Loose Parts Play

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Engineering and Math is Part of Loose Parts Play

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http://greeningsamandavery.typepad.com/greening-sam-and-avery/i-all-about-the-birds.html