About 12 years ago, a local Girl Scout had a vision for her Gold Award project: establishing a nature trail in the woods next to St. Mary’s Episcopal School and Church. It would be a place to explore the plants, trees, insects, and seasonal changes by taking hikes through the natural space. Today this trail, which is often called a “hidden gem” by our school families, has grown into a nature classroom where our Preschool and Kindergarten students explore and discover, engaging all their senses in developing a deeper knowledge of and appreciation for all that our natural world has to offer.
Did you know that exposure to nature has multiple benefits for young children? Studies have found that children who spend time in nature have improved intellectual development and fewer emotional and social issues. Scientists determined that during exposure to nature, the recorded rhythmic brain activity shows better focus or attention, better retention, and stronger executive functioning. Engaging all the child’s senses helps create healthy pathways in the brain for growth and development.
St. Mary’s students spend at least one-third of their time outdoors, whether it’s on our nature trail, beautiful playgrounds, or in the many natural spaces that exist on campus. At any given time during the day, a group of children can be found digging for “treasures;” some may be examining animal and insect habitats; others might be filling their wonder journal with things they see, feel, or hear; another might be building fairy homes with sticks, leaves, and rocks, while others quietly listen for animal and nature sounds.
For the teachers at St. Mary’s, the time spent with children outdoors in nature is a Learning Lab. We watch children take risks by trying new things, like jumping from a tree stump or picking up a caterpillar. We encourage them to experiment and problem-solve, counting leaves, creating letters with objects they’ve found, and writing in the dirt. We see their curiosity and creativity blossom as they explore and ask questions, make collages, and paint landscapes. We observe children grow confident, develop strong motor skills, collaborate, and build friendships and community. Indoor classrooms become an extension of the outdoors as we bring nature’s parts and pieces (pinecones, rocks, sticks, leaves) inside for more exploration.
St. Mary’s play-based philosophy and child-centered curriculum allow children the freedom to explore and investigate inside the classroom and outdoors. Research confirms that children who play outside regularly are happier and more fit, develop a stronger immune system, have lower stress levels and more active imaginations, play more creatively, have greater respect for themselves and others, and cultivate environmental awareness and values.
Benefits of nature-based learning in early childhood education:
- Develop problem-solving skills
- Explore using the five senses
- Learn to collect and analyze data
- Build oral communication skills and vocabulary
- Strengthen fine and large motor skills
