Research is showing that children’s disconnection from nature is leading to increases in problems such as childhood obesity, children’s dislike and even fear of the outdoors, and increased reliance on behavior-regulating medications. In response to this growing need, teachers and administrators in Middle Country School District came to the realization that outdoor classroom experiences are as important for young children as the indoor classroom experience.  Our goal has been to design and provide rich, outdoor learning environments that engage children in play and the “real work” of exploring, observing, and experiencing the world around them.

Planning for Middle Country Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom Projects is in three phases. Phase 1 is complete. Each Outdoor Classroom site has been selected and a landscape plan drawn. This year, pathways through each outdoor classroom have been installed using Engineered Wood Fibar to ensure accessibility. In addition 200 native shrubs have been planted by parents, children, teachers, administrators, and staff at each site. Five specific areas have been created: gathering area, building area, messy materials area, open area, and nature art area.