St. Thomas Early Learning Center

Our Outdoor Classroom and the exploration of Nature are integral parts of the curriculum here at St.
Thomas Early Learning Center. The large shade trees of our playground area create a cool cover for ample free play opportunities and exploration year-round, providing homes and habitats for many kinds of creatures.

Social development is fostered in the sandbox with friends and dramatic themes are played out on the
outside stage. Gross motor skills are developed by running up and down the hills or building with our large blocks and logs. Curiosity is piqued with a trip to Nick’s Meadow to go dip-net fishing for minnows and tadpoles or to observe the beauty of the water lilies.

During the school year, use of our outdoor space is part of the daily schedule for all classes. Activities
include planting/tending/harvesting in our raised gardens, seasonal playground events and daily
interactions with Nature. Intentional time is spent observing animals and plants as part of the science
curriculum. Our rabbits Max, Rudy and Morris add to the outdoor fun.

New additions to our Outdoor Classroom include repurposing a space so that, weather permitting, our
Music classes can be held outside. Also, through a partnership in the Fall of 2024 with students and
faculty from Texas A&M University’s Early Childhood Through Adolescent Education class and a generous grant from the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, we added some new elements to our playground. These include an enhanced music area, mud kitchen, Plinko game, and an interactive magnet activity wall.

Lastly, our Art and Nature teacher has introduced WonderLab as part of our Extended Day schedule,
meeting with children three afternoons a week. It is our hope that doing the work of childhood, including playing and exploring in Nature, will translate into growing individuals who care deeply about the world around them.

 

Learn more about this classroom on their certification page!