Mt. Nebo CLC - #301-432-6042 | email: director@mtneboclc.org
Outdoor Classroom at Mt. Nebo CLC
For generations, children learned many of the skills they needed in life from playing outside. Over the past several years, Outdoor Classrooms have been successfully tapping into children’s natural desire to explore, research and investigate. Mt. Nebo has decided to join the movement.
Guided by the principles of Dr. Richard Louv, found in his book Last Child in the Woods, our outdoor classroom will provide children an opportunity to initiate their own learning experiences and activities, with teachers to support them.
The outdoor curriculum evolves as children’s interests grow and change. Our Outdoor Classroom is located on our natural playscape; a rich nurturing environment where children can climb, dig, move and explore.
Our outdoor curriculum, The Project Approach, is in conjunction with Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Creative Curriculum and HighScope programs. Your child learns through practical applications, investigation and exploration in an authentic and sustainable manner.
The topics are limitless but will obviously have an outdoor focus. Topics we may explore include:
- Life of Trees
- Movement of Water
- Life Cycles of Insects
- Impact of Weather in our Lives
Benefits of the Outdoor Classroom:
Physical:
- An increase in physical development, activity and capability
- Setting patterns for an active lifestyle
- Fewer children suffering from conditions such as obesity, ADD/ADHD
Cognitive:
- Building strong language, problem-solving, and communication skills through projects and group activities.
- Develop and interest in math and science through connecting with nature
- Fostering one’s own learning through personal responsibility, control and self-initiation
- School Readiness skill built in an authentic and sustainable way
Psychological:
- Happier, with positive self-esteem
- Exposure to nature decreases stress and helps to elevate anxiety
Understanding:
- Appreciation and being familiar with nature
- Wide and expansive understanding of how the world works
- Building skills to be a good steward to the environment
Your Child’s Day
6:00-8:45 Welcome activity and free play
8:45-9:15 Bathroom and a.m. Snack
9:15-10:15 Gathering Time – This time is used for gathering information about our project. The children will journal, experiment and implement and present their findings.
10:15-11:45 Explore and Investigation
11:45-1:00 Bathroom, Lunch and Relax
1:00-3:00 Rest Time
3:00-3:45 Bathroom and p.m. Snack
3:45-4:45 Recap Gathering Time
4:45-5:45 Explore and Investigation
5:45-6:00 Closing activity
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Will my child be outside all year long, even in the winter?
A: Yes, your child will be exposed to sunny, gray and cold days. Our advice is to dress in layers and always have an extra set of clothing for your child.
Q: How will the outdoor classroom prepare my child for Kindergarten?
A: Multiple studies show the most successful learners are researchers and problem solvers. The Outdoor Classroom is designed for building those two skills with plenty of letter and number recognition built in.
Q: Will my child have a place to go during a thunderstorm or inclement weather?
A: Yes, we have an indoor classroom to use during unsafe weather conditions.
Q: Will my child get dirty?
A: YES
