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Children’s connection with the outdoors is an optimal way for them to learn. At The Apple Orchard School, a nature-based preschool in Massachusetts, educators support the natural curiosity of children by helping them to develop a range of foundational skills needed to be successful lifelong learners. According to an article by educator Martina B. Albright in Exchange, this involves using the animals and outdoor environments around them.
The school integrates nature in a number of ways. Educators aim to teach empathy through allowing social interactions to unfold naturally. Albright describes a moment during which children check on a rescued duck that has an infected eye. The educator helped children develop empathy through asking questions such as, “What could we do to help him?” and “Do you think the other ducks know he is hurt?” “Our school relishes embracing the outdoors as a way to capture children’s natural interest in wild animals, in order to apply what they experience outside into a teachable moment about relating to their school friends,” says Albright.
At first, many children might become apprehensive due to the lack of structure in the outdoor setting. However, throughout the year, the outdoors becomes an exciting and freeing place to play due to a lack of materials organized and selected by adults. The freedom allows children to “use their ideas, the simple natural objects around them, and the surrounding trees to support their imaginations,” says Albright. Educators might create small stages where children will experiment. It is possible they could use pine cones as microphones or branches as wands. When children are accustomed to using manipulatives, blocks, and other materials, they might become more creative in their environment.
According to the article, outdoor play also assists with strength, balance, and body awareness. The Apple Orchard School cut a dying tree into logs to create an obstacle course because educators noticed that many children look for challenges on vines and trees in outdoor spaces. There is no perfect way to climb or play on a log. “It is our own way to practice vestibular and proprioception skills,” says Albright. It also creates an environment of emotional connection as children support one another.
Outdoor playtime allows for scenarios in which children can work through emotions. Their senses become more fine-tuned to noises, smell, and touch, as indoor settings can be over stimulating. One educator commented that it allows children the opportunity to “fully immerse themselves in their surroundings.” Additionally, while playing and learning outside, children learn to collaborate, problem solve and persevere, while they strengthen their attentional focus and sensory development.
Nature and a love of learning are synonymous. Natural experiences help children enjoy discovery and exploration. Albright says that all educators can expose children to nature, no matter how their school is designed. She suggests adopting a pet for the class; making a picnic or conducting dramatic play outside; finding a low tree nearby for climbing; or creating an obstacle course with logs. Use anything available within reach, such as branches, shrubs, rocks, and grass, and then guide children to develop these skills.
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