Outdoor time is not a break from learning; the natural outdoor classroom supports learning in all domains, especially creativity and social-emotional development.
– Sam Dennis, Landscape Architect and Researcher

Thanks to Exchange Leader Cindy Curry, Forest & Nature School Practitioner at Children, Naturally, in Manitoba, Canada, for today’s message.

There is a tacit belief held within the child care profession that the real learning happens inside, usually at a table or sitting cross-legged passively listening to an adult. Where does this myth come from? When you plan your day, do you ask how much time do we need to spend outside as if outside is a break from the important work that is happening inside? How can we change the narrative and begin to ask, “How much time do we need to spend inside?”

We put a lot of effort into creating and planning our inside environments, yet our outdoor environments still often get neglected or filled with materials that are added haphazardly and without much thought to their value. As early childhood educators, we need to be as intentional with our outdoor environments as we are with our indoor ones.

If we want to be advocates for children getting outside, we need to value being outside. The list of benefits is long. One of my favourite reasons for getting kids outside is the children who struggle in an indoor environment often bloom and become the leaders outside. I love to see those children, who struggle indoors, not only be seen as valued members of the group but also be seen as having ideas and leading the play.

Let’s change the question and begin to ask ourselves, “How much time do we need to spend inside?”

Ready to bring new intention to your outdoor space? Join Nature Explore Landscape Designer Jill Primak and Educator Heather Fox for “Ask a Designer,” a free, one-hour online event this Friday, June 7, at 1 pm US Eastern. Space is limited. Please register.