“We first need to teach children to love the earth before we can
ask them to save it.” Inspiration from the Working forum on Nature Education for Young Children, Nebraska Oct 2006
We believe that being outdoors in beautiful, natural environments is an essential experience for all children. Research continues to show that nature reduces stress, increase attention span and foster healthy brain development. It is critical to a child’s health and to the healthy development of the whole child. ….research backs this up…
http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/socialplanning/initiatives/childcare/PDF/CC-OutdoorPlay-Herrington.pdf
Children are given the opportunity to interact daily with materials found in nature and in the process become thoughtful stewards of the earth we share.
Outdoor Learning Centres:
Natures Art Area: where natural materials can be used to create mosaics and patterns, children can experiment freely using creative process
Building/Constructing Zone: hands-on physics/engineering principles, experiment, problem solve, cooperation, team work, working with natural materials, tree blocks
Natural Plants: Trees/bushes/flowers/rocks: areas for exploration & discovery, natural habitat for wildlife
Natures Tree House: dramatic play, social/emotional development, problem solving skills, conflict resolution, caring pro-social behaviour
Sound Garden: experiment with sound, creative exploration, use water to create sound, listen to wind chimes, play the Marimba (phase 2)
Children’s Gardens: plant, grow, nurture, taste, smell, touch, observe
Sunshade Covered Sandbox: experiment, build, cooperate, problem solve, construct
Running Water Feature: (Phase 2) revel in the sites and sounds, habitat for wildlife, discover, explore
PLUS: bikes, balls, sports, games, chalk, shopping carts/carriages, water play, parachute games, basketball, bubbles, sensory activities, art easels, dramatic play, running, jumping, dancing, exploring, experimenting, and so much more!
Eco Health Certification
Check out this video on Eco Health Certification