Nature's Way to Learning

Nature's classroom is the most inviting learning environment for children and adults. Regardless of season, nature brings with it something for all ones senses. Summer brings the warmth of the sun, the smell of fresh cut grass and the salt air of the ocean. Fall brings the color of the leaves, the sound of the geese flying to a warmer destination, the wind blowing through the trees causing the leaves to dance over the land where they will settle for the winter. Winter brings the sight of each breath that you take, the white blanket of snow, the tracks of friends and animals in the snow leaving you wondering where they will lead. Spring brings smells of the earth, the sight of blooming flowers, and the sound of birds singing their songs of spring days ahead.

In nature’s classroom there are endless opportunities to learn and grow. Children are able to explore, gather, collect, collaborate, observe, connect, respond, experience, adapt, build, honor, protect, plan, investigate, make decisions, and so much more. Observing children as they engage in these opportunities is a wonderful way to see children and how they interact in the natural world. Watching them as they stop what they are doing to listen to the bird singing in the tree above them, how they watch the butterfly flutter through the air, how they explore the ground and discover rocks, sticks and crawling insects. Sometimes I am amazed how little resources I need for them to take charge of their learning as they push through the dirt or roll down a hill.

As educators and parents we sometimes miss the learning that happens in those small moments in play. We sometimes get caught up in what the children are not doing, instead of watching for those moments that they are connecting to the natural world.

I personally love to bring our classroom into the natural world, painting, singing, stories, and dramatic play. When the weather becomes too cold or too hot I then love to bring the natural world into the classroom with heuristic play, wood cookies, leaves, sticks, rocks and branches.

Children who take the lead in their learning, using their interests, ideas and imagination become independent, take risks, problem solve, see possibilities, think critically, become curious and become excited about learning. Educators who understand the dance of when to step in and help facilitate, and when to move away to observe will become excited about watching the children grow and develop.

The best thing about learning in nature is that at the end of the day you feel a connection with the children and with nature and with the world around you. There was a time that children played outdoors for hours on end, independent of adults, creating games and adventures. We have lost that culture of play and it is important for our future to put play back where it belongs, in the arms of children outdoors in the natural world.