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For quite some time, our staff has envisioned a space in which the children could learn and explore in a natural hands-on environment. Several of us heard Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, speak at Trinity School last year, further sparking our interest in outdoor learning opportunities for the children of Peachtree. However, designing and building an outdoor classroom is a daunting task. Where do we begin? What experiences do we want the children to have? What materials should we use? Do we order equipment or build our own?
Before addressing these issues, we asked the teachers, "What should the outdoor classroom include?" As early childhood educators, the teachers know that the best outdoor play space is a safe replica of the natural, outdoor environment many of us enjoyed growing up: spaces for open-ended play with a variety of textures; messy materials and loose parts; gardens! A good outdoor learning environment stimulates a variety of play: physical, social, constructive and dramatic. It also allows children to experiment and take risks and is responsive to each child. Designing an outdoor play and learning environment is indeed a complex process!
The Preschool was fortunate to receive a $10,000 grant from Dimensions Foundation to begin this process. Earlier in the fall, Susie Wirth of the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Education Research Foundation met with the staff regarding the values of an outdoor classroom. She and landscape architect Mary Ann Wells spent two days at the Preschool meeting with the teachers and working on a concept plan. Preschool parents Kelli and Tim Adams participated in the planning session.
With the help of our parent community, we look forward to building an outdoor classroom that help reconnect children with nature for many years to come. Please contact the Preschool for more information on giving opportunities for this exciting project.
Jane Montgomery
CLICK HERE to read the Design Narrative
CLICK HERE to see the Concept Plan
