Under the Oak Tree
As part of our Nature Explore certification, we have embraced the beauty of learning in our outdoor
environment. Every day, we venture outside with our nature books in hand, eager to observe, learn, and connect with the world around us. From tiny insects to towering trees, our outdoor classroom is alive with opportunities for discovery.
One of our highlights from over the last year in our outdoor classroom was intentionally creating a space that would hopefully attract toads, tree frogs, and snails. We carefully placed piles of stones in a quiet shady area to hopefully create a cozy hideaway for these fascinating creatures. Imagine our delight when our plan worked! The children, with wide-eyed wonder, regularly check on the frogs and toads, observing their movements and learning about their habitats while also checking to see if we have any new friends. We also created a welcoming environment for birds by adding a simple birdbath basin, which has become a favorite spot for our feathered friends. The children love watching as birds come to drink and bathe, bringing an ever-changing rhythm to our outdoor space.
In our garden, we’ve worked hard to attract beneficial insects. A special bug-friendly house was introduced to encourage butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to visit and stay. The garden is buzzing with life, and the children eagerly identify the insects visiting our flowers, learning how each one plays an important role in the ecosystem. Of course, as with any garden, we’ve faced a few challenges. Our vegetable patch has attracted some unwanted guests—pests who love to nibble on our crops. But with a little creativity and guidance from nature, we’ve found solutions. We planted marigolds, nasturtiums, and plenty of dill to naturally deter the pests and protect our harmony with nature. The vibrant colors and smells have added to the sensory richness of the garden, while also supporting our goal to grow vegetables.
There is another moment that also stands out in my memory when I was pleasantly surprised that one of the children had started using empty snail shells that they found after the long winter and created a
pattern. The design was completely their idea and natural, a testament to their growing connection with the environment and their blossoming creativity.
In our outdoor classroom, every day is a new adventure. Whether it’s observing a busy bee, watching a frog hop across the stones, or marveling at the colors of a butterfly, we are continuously reminded of the beauty, wonder, and endless lessons that nature has to offer.
Learn more about this classroom on their certification page!
