Ascension Lutheran
Early Childhood Center
The most popular spot in our twos outdoor classroom space is the expanded mud kitchen area, “it has profoundly impacted the daily lives of our children by bringing them closer to their outside environment and allowing them to explore God’s beautiful world around us!” Underneath a large tree, our toddlers and two-year-olds have plenty of dirt and mud, plants, a table for working, a playhouse, and a kitchen for creating family dinners, sitting together, and engaging with one another. There is time and space for imaginative play, opportunities for a variety of sensory experiences, and gross motor development as they can lift and move rocks, heavy logs, and recently pumpkins. Often children can be found simply sitting in the mud calmly playing and connecting with nature. Children are naturally drawn to this area and absolutely love the abundance of leaves, a low branch which is perfect for hanging from, and the opportunity to care for plants in the garden boxes. “This space has allowed us to explore new spaces, step out of our comfort zones, and enjoy what we love most – being outdoors!”
