Nature Programming

 

Nature-based learning is a teaching method that connects children with nature to support their development. It can take place in natural settings or built environments with added natural features. Our programs are immersed in nature and follow an Emergent Curriculum philosophy. Our teachers (Certified Early Childhood Educators) use observation and documentation to plan, implement & evaluate play-based learning programs that encourage active exploration, inquiry, independence, choice, problem-solving, wonder and of discovery.

Natural play settings enhance harmony beyond school, minimize competition, and promote kindness.

 

We believe that “there is almost no bad weather, just bad clothing”. We believe that children deserve regular & repeated access to the same natural, outdoor space over extended periods of time.  Children will have the opportunity to notice changes over time, develop a relationship with the space, and get to know it intimately.  We believe that being outdoors in beautiful, natural environments is an essential experience for all children.  Research continues to show that nature reduces stress, increases attention span and fosters healthy brain development. It is critical to a child’s health and to the healthy development of the whole child.

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We incorporate nature with alternatives to being in a forest such as: daily walks to the park, gardening material boxes where children can engage in planting and digging, finding loose parts like pine branches, pine cones, leaves, shells, flowers etc. Teachers can also bring natural materials into the classroom to help children compare appearances, textures, and smells, foster a greater understanding of nature.

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The positive impact of nature play on children’s cognitive development is undeniable. According to a Norwegian study, children who spend time outside in their daycare have better concentration spans and short-term memory (Ulset et al. 2017).

Interactions with nature restore the energy reserves of the executive attention processes. A Spanish study involving schoolchildren aged 7 to 10 discovered similar findings regarding the relationship between exposure to green spaces and cognitive development (Dadvand et al. 2015).

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According to Hanson et al., 2016, childhood stress can impact cognitive development and lead to mental health issues later in life. Increased time spent in nature can have psychologically restorative effects and potentially long-term impacts on children’s mental health. Thus, the more time children spend in nature, the more it may help them reduce stress and encourage focus.

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