The Nature Explore Classroom at
Panda Child Care #2
Our History-The Nature Explore Classroom at Panda Child Care #2 in Taylorsville, UT.
Panda Childcare #2 is committed to high quality education, that is why we set out to be part of Nature
Explore. We know that the path is not easy, you must dedicate hours of study and learning to the new
methodology. We know that we enjoy the achievements obtained, evidencing it in the satisfaction,
and enjoyment of our children exploring new spaces designed for their free play and experiential learning.
Interaction with nature has a very positive impact on academic performance. It has been shown that
children who spend more time outdoors tend to have greater problem-solving and a longer attention span. But in addition, nature also reduces anxiety and stress, creating an environment conducive to more enriching learning and stimulating creativity and imagination.
We are happy to have managed to enrich our outdoor areas, with sectors designed with natural material that favor their relationship with the natural environment, promoting respect and environmental responsibility. We thank all of our staff, teachers, and families who make up Panda Childcare #2. What is well learned, is never forgotten.
Maximizing beauty and visual clarity-After creating the field diagram for the organization of the outdoor sectors, we observed that the visual harmony and beauty of the landscaping were enhanced.
Design customization-The design has been made after in-depth observation of the tastes and preferences of the children, adapting and placing material to their liking. It is because of our children that we implement the dramatization area, since they enjoy cooking clay pancakes, or preparing pizzas and decorating them with twigs.
Challenges in our project-We as teachers, perhaps have been trained in an old education, so it becomes a little more complex to understand the new pedagogical currents. Being part of Nature Explore is to be part of educational change with innovative proposals, to enjoy the environment and give free rein to the creativity and imagination of children.
Support in the construction of outdoor classroom-In our center, the office staff first participated in the Using Your Outdoor Classroom workshop to learn about the design principles. Then the book, The Learning With Nature Idea Book was acquired. The guidelines were reviewed and 3 teachers from different classrooms were enrolled in 2 workshops with Nature Explore.
The director and owner of the center began to develop the diagram for the outdoor spaces. This diagram was presented to a specialist who collaborates with us. At the same time, the teachers and parents were asked to communicate that we were starting with the project and that we required natural material such as: earth, rocks, feathers, wood, rubber, etc. So that they feel part of the process. Finally, in collaboration with all the staff and volunteers, all the outdoor spaces were built and organized.
