The Nature Explore Classroom at
New Horizon Academy-Boise Research/Lasalle
The outdoor classroom at this school is unique in that was created nearly 30 years ago when our organization built the school. However, at that time, we were unsure of how this space would be best utilized. The preschool and pre-k classrooms have doors that open right up to the outdoor classroom making it very easy for the children to use the classroom.
The gardens are one of the most popular areas in this outdoor classroom as some of the varieties of items grow back each and every year. The children love to tend to all of the gardens and take great pride in how they look.
The area is mostly covered by shade and is surrounded on 3 sides by grass. The classroom provides not only a feeling of calm and serenity, but also many areas for children to learn from and explore. They can do this in small groups, by themselves, or in a large group. Another popular area is the sand box that is inside a large tire!
This outdoor classroom can be seen from two different main thoroughfares. Because of this, it is usually a main topic of discussion and wonder when new families are inquiring about the school. It is special to have the opportunity to explain to those families what an outdoor classroom is used for as well as its many benefits!
