Outdoor Nature Program
**We will not be running an outdoor program for the 2021-2022 school year. Please stay tuned for further updates.
Our Outdoor Nature Program is aimed to have students spend the majority of the class outside, with a number of activities including nature walks, journalling, outdoor exploration/play, and more.
If you’d like more information, please fill out the form provided and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
The Purpose of the Program
The purpose of the Outdoor Nature Program is to connect children to the natural world. In this digital age, children are spending more time indoors, stationary, and in front of screens.
The Outdoor Nature Program is meant to encourage children to get active and ask questions. The Outdoor Nature Program is meant to inspire and motivate children to move, play, explore and wonder.
The Goals of the Outdoor Nature Program
- Play outdoors using natural materials
- Gain a deeper understanding and respect for the environment
- Use your imagination
- Be able to think critically and ask questions
- Develop a sense of empathy and compassion for the natural world
- Use your five sense to explore nature
- Improved physical health and well-being
- Develop a sense of belonging, independence, mastery and generosity
“Let nature be your teacher”
– William Wordsworth
The environment is often referred to as the 3rd teacher. The goal of learning and playing outdoors is to encourage children’s sense of wonder, curiosity and playfulness.
By allowing children the opportunity to explore nature and the outdoors, they will naturally ask questions or discover new ways to approach situations and problem solve.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability participate within a group setting
- Develop a meaningful connection to the natural world
- Ask thoughtful questions and begin to think critically
- Develop a love for playing outdoors and have fun!
The outcomes for the outdoor class will centre around a sense of belonging and enjoyment. For children to develop a meaningful connection, they need to enjoy the experience. Participation will be encouraged as children being to learn to work together and play together. They can ask for help, ask each other questions and create something magical together.
During nature walks, children will be asked open ended questions about their environment to which there will be no wrong answers. Teachers will acknowledge children’s questions and help them find the answers even if it is not scientifically accurate. At this age, are helping children learn how think not what to think.
The Outdoor Nature Program will be experience through play-based where children will have the freedom to explore and learn through play. Whether we play a game together or freely explore our space, children will naturally become more creative, curious and playful in the outdoor setting
