O2B Kids Waconia

This year, we enhanced our certified Nature Explore Classroom by adding two mud kitchens, designed to promote messy play and rich sensory experiences. Our families regularly support the space by donating materials, knowing how much the children value and enjoy this unique outdoor environment.

With the ongoing dedication of our maintenance staff, the area remains safe, well-kept, and durable for daily use. Our outdoor classroom is utilized year-round, with each season offering new opportunities for exploration—whether it’s discovering worms in spring, digging in mud, making paths through the snow, or playing in freshly fallen leaves.

In May, a Master Gardener from the University of Minnesota Extension Program joined us to help prepare and plant our garden beds alongside the children. This hands-on learning experience includes lessons in soil prep, proper planting techniques, watering, and weeding. One of our garden beds is a “Touch and Feel” garden, filled with herbs selected for their unique textures and strong scents. The children maintain the gardens throughout summer and fall, cultivating a sense of responsibility and pride in watching their veggies and fruits grow!

Our annual Mud Day in June was a beloved event that brought together our school community and
families. Guests were invited to immerse themselves in a variety of outdoor mud-based activities,
including mud painting, pie making, dirt digging, volcano and dinosaur egg creations, and a construction-themed play zone. This event celebrates the excitement of getting messy while encouraging sensory exploration and imaginative play.

The Nature Explore Classroom continues to be a signature space in our program—one that truly sets us apart. It supports the development of gross motor skills, sensory skills, social skills, and most importantly, a lasting love for the natural world. We are proud of its impact and excited for the continued growth of this space.

Learn more about this classroom on their certification page!