Outdoor Classroom
“The best classroom is roofed only by the sky” Unkown
Even as a school in the city we have been able to provide large open space in nature for our students with our Outdoor Classroom. ISP' s Outdoor classroom takes place once a week for students ages 3-7.
The concept of the outdoor classroom is built upon the premise that children are complex beings. To nurture the whole child, early childhood education needs to follow the fundamental principle that children are learning everywhere and all the time. Children need a broad variety of learning experiences and opportunities to grow in areas such as gross and fine motor development, social-emotional development, language development, and creative expression. Most activities that can be done indoors can be done outdoors.
There is a full range of activities for children to participate in, including many activities that are traditionally thought of as “indoor activities.” The outdoor space offers a balance of areas for physically active and less active play. While outside, children frequently can initiate their own learning experiences and activities, with teachers available to support them. Children experience nature in as many ways as possible.
Benefits of the Outdoor Classroom.
Physical:
- Increase in physical development, capability and activity
- Setting up patterns for an active, healthy lifestyle
- Children breathe in clean air and they are in a relaxing environment
Cognitive:
- Stronger language, problem-solving, and communication skills through projects and group activity
- Developing an interest in science and math through connecting with nature
- Fostering learning through self-initiation, control, and personal responsibility
Psychological:
- Happier, calmer
- Higher, more positive self-esteem
- Effective relationship building in a cooperative, non-competitive environment
- Less conflict with classmatesInternational School of Piraeus,ISP.
International School of Piraeus|ISP|Nursery and Kindergarten
