The Nature Explore Classroom at
Messiah Lutheran Church and School
Nature Explore Classroom at The Outdoor Classroom has been a work in progress since April 2010. We are the first Missouri Synod Lutheran Church and School in Nebraska to have a Certified Classroom.
One of the things that makes our Classroom special is that it backs up to a farmer’s field, which gives it a very natural setting. We have mature trees and many animals that visit our site, such as possum, deer, turkeys, and snakes. We have a garden area where we grow tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and pumpkins which includes a rain barrel.
The school and church children have easy access to our Outdoor Classroom from their school classrooms. The Gathering Area is a wonderful place for story and teacher instruction. The children especially enjoy digging in the dirt and the sandbox. The Music and Movement space is a delight as children spin, dance, and sing. The checkerboard tables in the Nature Art Area are especially enjoyed by the Fifth Graders. Everyone enjoys the open green space for running and pulling the wagon. The Messy Materials Area has a tee-pee and tree cookies. The Building space is enjoyed with the variety of building materials.
Sherry Thimijan, Preschool Director and Teacher
