As young parents living in New Jersey and working in the bustling city of New York, you understand the importance of providing your little ones with the best opportunities for growth and development. By incorporating nature and outdoor experiences into our curriculum at Leonardo da Vinci International Academy Preschool, we create a safe and nurturing environment where your child can thrive while fostering a love for the great outdoors. But first, let’s explore what neurosciences have to say about outdoor learning at an early age.
Neuro benefits of outdoor activities for your child’s cognitive development
Numerous studies have explored the benefits of outdoor learning at an early age. Here is a summary of key findings:
- Enhanced Cognitive Functioning: Outdoor learning engages multiple senses and stimulates diverse brain areas, leading to improved attention, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Natural environments provide rich sensory experiences that promote cognitive flexibility and critical thinking. Wow!
- Physical and Motor Development: Outdoor activities also encourage physical movement and active play, which support the development of gross and fine motor skills. And in our preschool, we know that this physical engagement positively influences brain development, coordination, and even overall physical health!
- Reduced Stress and Improved Well-being: Exposure to nature has a calming effect on the brains of our little ones, reducing stress and anxiety. Being outdoors enhances mood, promotes relaxation, and fosters a sense of well-being in the classroom, which positively impacts our students’ learning and social interactions.
Learning Through Play in Preschool
At Leonardo da Vinci International Academy Preschool, we believe in the power of learning through play. In our nature-inspired outdoor activities, children engage in hands-on experiences that stimulate their senses and ignite their curiosity. Here are some examples of nature-inspired outdoor activities in our preschool :
- Nature Scavenger Hunts: Preschoolers embark on exciting scavenger hunts, searching for leaves, rocks, flowers, and other treasures from nature. This activity enhances observation skills, promotes vocabulary development, and encourages exploration.
- Sensory Gardens: Creating a sensory garden provides a multisensory experience where children can touch, smell, and observe various plants and flowers. They learn about different textures, colors, and scents, fostering sensory development and vocabulary expansion.
- Outdoor Art: Painting with natural materials, such as leaves, twigs, and stones, allows our students to express their creativity while connecting with nature. This activity encourages fine motor skills, imagination, and an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.
Environmental Explorations
At Leonard da Vinci International Academy Preschool, we encourage children to be environmental stewards from a young age. Through outdoor activities, they learn about the importance of taking care of our planet. Here are some examples:
- Gardening: Preschoolers have the opportunity to plant and tend to their garden beds. They learn about the life cycle of plants, the importance of water conservation, and the joy of growing their food.
- Bug Investigations: Children explore the fascinating world of insects, observing and learning about different species. This activity sparks curiosity, promotes empathy towards living creatures, and enhances scientific thinking.
- Nature Crafts: Using natural materials like leaves, pinecones, and twigs, preschoolers create beautiful crafts. This activity promotes fine motor skills, creativity, and an understanding of the value of upcycling and repurposing materials.
Outdoor Physical Activities
Physical development is also a crucial aspect of preschool education at Leonardo da Vinci International Preschool. Outdoor play allows children to strengthen their muscles, improve coordination, and enhance gross motor skills. Let’s explore 3 ways our team will offer outdoor play to your children :
- Obstacle Courses: We design outdoor obstacle courses that challenge children’s physical abilities while encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance.
- Water Play: During warmer months, children enjoy water play activities like splash pads, water tables, and water games. These activities enhance sensory experiences, promote social interaction, and develop coordination.
- Nature Walks: Preschoolers embark on guided nature walks, exploring parks and trails. They engage in physical activities like hiking, climbing, and balancing, promoting overall fitness and healthy lifestyles.
In our preschool, our team of devoted teachers strives to provide an exceptional learning environment that embraces the beauty of nature. Through engaging in outdoor activities such as nature scavenger hunts, sensory gardens, gardening, and water play, we foster curiosity, environmental awareness, creativity, and physical development. We invite you to join us on this incredible journey of discovery and growth, where your child can explore, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing outdoor environment.