The sky would be the ceiling, and trees the pillars. Walnut creek all about preschool are embracing this concept. These schools attract attention with their nature based education programs. They encourage children to learn by exploring and playing in the great outdoors.
Imagine children in rain boots stomping around puddles while giggling at the worms that are wriggling about in the soil. This isn’t a typical preschool day. The rustling of leaves and the sound of birds chirping are all part of learning. Both children and teachers will enjoy the fresh air, both literally and metaphorically.
Outdoor learning isn’t all about playing in fields and climbing trees. Engaging all of your senses is important. Children can feel the rough bark under their fingertips or smell earthy after a shower. These are not only educational experiences, but also fun.
Take Jane’s example. Timmy, her son, was always bursting with energy. He was like a small tornado that whirled around their living area. Traditional classrooms felt confining for him. Jane enrolled Timmy at a Walnut Creek preschool that was based on nature. He could now run and play freely while learning about math and science.
Social skills are also developed in these schools (pun intended). Children are not only playing when they work together to construct a fort out of sticks, or to figure out how to cross a wet patch without becoming stuck like Winnie the Pooh.
There are of course challenges. Weather is unpredictable. A sudden rainstorm could have everyone running for cover beneath makeshift shelters constructed from tarps or branches. But these moments can teach resilience. Children learn that even though life may throw them curveballs sometimes, they must adapt and continue.
The teachers at these preschools are multi-faceted. One moment they’re an educator, the next a storyteller who tells tales about woodland creatures. Another time they act as a guide for little explorers to go on bug huntings. They are modern-day Pied Pipers, but without the flute and hopefully with no rats.
Parents are often concerned about their children’s safety, and for good reason! But these schools are focused on creating safe spaces where children can be themselves while remaining protected from harm.
Why outdoor learning? Because it fosters curiosity! It is more stimulating than a screen! Kids have a million questions. Why do leaves turn different colors? How can water turn to ice? The world becomes a textbook with endless chapters that are waiting to be explored!
Spending time outside is proven to be beneficial. Kites soaring in blue skies are not the only thing that boosts our mood! Plus, who doesn’t enjoy coming home with a faint pine-needle scent instead of crayons and chalk?
Walnut Creek has some great options for early education that are worth exploring.
It’s true, the forest could be a huge classroom just waiting outside our door for curious minds eager to explore beyond the concrete walls into realms full of wonder.