Busy Bees Natural Learning Center

 

OUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM:

From the moment you walk through our gate you will feel as if you are in another world. A world where exploration doesn’t end. From our mud kitchens, teepees, butterfly houses, to a “barn” just for play. The sounds of nature are all around us with our pond and fountains trickling in the background.

This year we have taken a step back and did some observations. What do the children like to play with? What peaks their curiosity? What inspires them? The answer was right in front of us. Nature. Discovering what there is to be learned about it. From rolling over rocks and finding a new insect to using wooden logs as balance beams. Discovery is what they wanted, discovery is what we have given them.

William Wordsworth said “Let Nature be your teacher” and that is just what we have done. Providing loose parts and nature inspired tools (limbs, rocks, sand, dirt, water etc) we have watched the children learn creativity, social skills, cognitive development, sensory development…and much more. Most importantly, we have watched children build life long friendships.

INSECTS:

With donations from our great community, we are able to provide a spring/summer full of insect discovery. Praying mantis, lady bugs, ants, worms and best of all….. our caterpillars. Our caterpillars are raised insde until they have emerged from crysalis. We then transfer them to our outdoor butterfly house, where the children can observe them through the windows and special visits inside.

THE GARDEN:
Our gardens have started to sprout and we have already harvested our first round of lettuce. This year we introduced a few new varities of vegetables and are excited to journal our success.By adding a sensory garden into our program a few short weeks ago children are able to relate to plants based on sight, touch, hearing, taste and smell.

As I look back at how far we have come from beginning the journey of an outdoor classroom, I have no other words except THANKFUL.

Thankful to the community who provides us with supplies needed. Thankful to my husband for making my visions come to reality. And thankful to the parents of the children in our care who appreciate and understand the need for outdoor learning.