The Nature Explore Classroom at
New Horizon Academy
Our outdoor classroom is unique in that it is shared with our playground. Our outdoor classroom lines the perimeter of the playground allowing use of both the classrooms and the playground.
We are excited to say our outdoor classroom was created and made by our Director and Teachers learning as we went along. Our goal is to bring children into nature and let them experience what it is like to get dirty. All of our gardens and plants are cared for by the children growing vegetables and flowers.
In our art area, the children have been enjoying creating patterns and designs with various natural materials. We also have a large plexi easel for the children to paint and explore how sunlight and shadow affect the colors of their art along with chalk boards that allow the children to use their imagination through different textures. Our block area is filled with wooden roads that the children can use to make ramps, build bridges and make roadways.
Our climbing area is made out of used tires thanks to Discount Tire of Apple Valley. They donated 8 tires to our classroom to allow us to make a moveable octopus that allows the children to climb on the legs and make their own designs.
What also makes us unique is our ability to have the children spend their entire day outside from drop off to pick up. With an umbrella covered space, the children can enjoy sleeping in their outdoor classroom. All meals are served at picnic tables where children eat family style.
Our mud kitchen is frequently used to make some delicious mud pies and cakes while in our loose parts area the children are able to build statues with different natural materials such as pine cones, wood slices, acorns, and sticks. The loose parts area even has a spot for the children to write about on chalkboards made out of wood slices.
When you travel to our Digging in the Dirt area, children have a chance to play with a real construction site. Filled with construction vehicles, cones, and tools, the children can use their imagination to get messy and pretend they are the contractors.
This is our first year using this space with all of the needed features and enhancements. As we continue to grow and learn, we look forward to telling you more about all of our further enhancements and adventures.
