If you’ve ever witnessed a class full of students released outdoors to play on the playground, you’ve seen the magnetic pull that nature has on children. The immediate change in mood is visible proof of nature’s impact on our physical and emotional well-being. Our small, tuition-free school was founded on the belief that the outdoors is the best classroom for children. From TK-3rd grade, we spend large parts of the day outdoors engaging in unstructured playtime and formal learning opportunities. Here’s why:
1. Outdoor learning strengthens social skills
Spending time outdoors creates opportunities for “teachable moments” between friends and classmates - a puddle provides an opportunity to build a bridge, a squabble over the rules of a game sharpens peacemaking skills, and creating a natural rock obstacle course develops collaborative skills. Shade Canyon students have ample time to engage in unstructured play- where children take the lead in organizing and directing the play - growing confidence, independence, and empathy among other pro-social skills.
2. Outdoor learning provides an immediate mood boost
Too much time spent indoors has been proven to not only harm our physical health but also our mental health. A recent study showed that preschoolers living near green spaces have better mental health, while a 2010 study from Japan showed that walking in a forest resulted in a decrease in cortisol, lower blood pressure and pulse rate, and better nerve activity. Being outdoors awakens our children’s senses and helps them to return to the classroom feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the school day.
3. Outdoor learning develops strong bodies
Climbing rocks, hopping over stones, and running through grass helps children strengthen bones and muscles and develop motor skills like balance and coordination. It also exposes them to fresh air, vitamin D, and diverse environments early in life that may help them develop robust immune systems. A bonus is that parents report that their children sleep better at night after spending time outdoors during the day!
4. Outdoor learning creates strong minds
Outdoor learning honors the way a child naturally learns. A child who observes how water moves and then carves a path through the dirt so it flows, fundamentally understands force and motion. A group of children who turn a rock into a ship are practicing creative thinking and decision-making skills. Outdoor play stimulates a child’s imagination, grows problem-solving skills, and cultivates curiosity, skills that translate into traditional subject-based learning and, ultimately, stronger academic achievement.
5. Outdoor learning grows an appreciation for nature
When our children are exposed to nature’s beauty, they are more likely to develop an appreciation for the world around them and their responsibility within it. We are fortunate to live in a place with abundant beautiful landscapes and we frequently take our students on field trips to state parks where they can observe the natural habitats of plants and animals. Coupled with growing our own food at school, our students become stewards of the natural world who care for and protect our environment.
Shade Canyon students go outside every day - rain, snow, or sun - we embrace the old Scandinavian adage that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. We make sure that students stay warm and dry while embracing all that outdoor play offers.
Want to get your child outdoors more? Our TK-3rd grade program is still enrolling for the 2024-25 school year. Visit our enrollment page or contact us to get started.
About Shade Canyon School
A tuition-free education based on the core principles of a Public Waldorf philosophy is now possible for the children of Lake County. Conveniently located in Kelseyville, Shade Canyon School provides a holistic, arts and outdoor play-based learning program that engages every student’s head, heart and hands. Our small, inclusive school setting nurtures strong relationships and community as we grow the whole child. Enrollment is currently open for TK-3rd grade students for the 2024-25 school year. Come grow with us 🌿
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