| Lakeshore’s “Nature Explore Classroom” Earns Certification Carson, California - September 2009 |  |
Connecting children to nature has powerful educational, developmental and behavioral benefits—like encouraging observation and problem solving skills, nurturing a concern for the environment and fighting the effects of childhood obesity through physical activity. One of Lakeshore’s most exciting projects in a long time is our new outdoor Nature Explore Classroom at Kids & Company, our on-site preschool for employees’ children. It is the third California classroom and the 25th in the nation to be fully certified by the Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) and Dimensions Foundation—and we couldn’t be more excited or proud of their accomplishment!
Phase 1: The Planning Process
When we learned about the Nature Explore Classroom concept, we were eager to integrate it at our school. Developed by the Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) and the Dimensions Foundation, Nature Explore Classrooms represent a nationwide effort to transform preschools into natural settings that promote active outdoor learning that makes nature an integral part of children’s daily experience. Especially relevant for urban learning environments, Nature Explore Classrooms promise to enhance a child’s imagination and learning skills through the sights, textures and beauty of nature. Once the classroom is up and running, we hope other schools will see its many benefits and use it as a model for their own curricula.
The initial process involved conducting a detailed survey of the available space; drawing up detailed plans for the classroom, as shown below; and presenting the plan to all the parents of the children in our preschool. When everyone saw the plans and pictures of other Nature Explore Classrooms, they became very enthusiastic about the transformation of our school!
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Phase 2: Ribbon Cutting
On August 22, 2008, we had an informal ribbon-cutting ceremony and planting party to celebrate the kickoff of the Nature Explore Classroom. Dozens of excited children, moms and dads brought organic soil and flowers to plant in new planters that represent the first step of this great enterprise.
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Phase 3: Building
The initial building phase involved the complete redesign and reconstruction of the sandbox area—which is now a cool, shaded spot where children can play even on the sunniest days. Then, we worked on and completed an outdoor Messy Materials Area, where the children could interact with each other and create one-of-a-kind constructions from various items. We also created a boat-shaped Messy Materials Area specific for toddlers. And this past fall, we added a new fence made from bamboo. The fence will serve to add privacy for the kids and add a natural color and look to the classroom environment.
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Phase 4: What We’ve Seen
The Nature Explore Classroom has already begun to open the children’s eyes to new things. They have discovered that pumpkins come in many sizes and are heavy; tree branches break and you can’t fix them; and pine cones exist. The Teachers’ biggest role in the Nature Explore Classroom has been to trust children in their play. They are, after all, playing with large tree branches and picking up bricks and heavy stones!
The teachers are also taking the children on nature walks to collect materials for the Messy Materials Area. The walks help the children build their vocabulary, learn to respect the space around them and learn to solve problems. We couldn’t be more pleased with the opportunity to have this area for children to play!
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Phase 5: Finishing Touches
We created three separate play areas: a gathering area, a dramatic play space and a block-building area. The gathering area is a place where children can read books, listen to teachers retell a favorite story, or get together for a circle-time activity. Already, our dramatic play space has been turned into a “backyard bbq” and a “bear cave.” Natural bricks and stones were added to our block building area.
We also created a music area. With the use of some donated logs and wood chips (for ground covering), we were able to establish a music & movement area under one of our large trees. Finally, we established a garden area in the center of our bike path. We used “river rock” ground covering, which adds a wonderful texture to the environment. Our goal for the next few months is to establish a fruit and vegetable garden for children to enjoy. We have planted irises all around our new garden. Over time, the plants will provide a nice pathway around the bike area.
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We’re certified!
On August 20, 2009, we received official word that our classroom has been certified by the Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) and Dimensions Foundation. Our classroom is the third Nature Explore Classroom to be certified in California and the 25th in the nation. To celebrate our certification, Kids & Company threw an outdoor classroom party!
The Nature Explore Classroom will always be a work in progress. Our current goal is to establish our garden—once this hot summer comes to an end! In the years to come, we will strive to add more and more natural elements to our environment.
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