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Why focus on naturalizing our outdoor learning environment?
In the past decade, the benefits of connecting to nature have been well documented in numerous scientific research studies and publications. Collectively, this body of research shows that children’s social, psychological, academic and physical health is positively impacted when they have daily contact with nature. (Natural Learning Initiative, 2012)
What will outdoor learning look like at Asheville Primary School?
We hope to combine the benefits of nature play with the Montessori design of uninterrupted work blocks for optimal concentration and creativity. We're busy brainstorming scheduling logistics with hopes to allow for a daily outdoor block of approximately an hour for K-2 students, without sacrificing the morning classroom work block or other curricular opportunities. We look forward to further developing our outdoor learning space, shared with and currently spearheaded by Asheville Preschool, by engaging our Primary School families as well.
The Field
The Field
We have a large former baseball field behind our building. In recent years, we've fenced "The Field" and have been slowly but steadily transforming it into a nature playspace. The Field features a large garden, sand and dirt play, a dry stream bed, hills, fort-building, a bamboo tee-pee, and endless future plans!
In 2015, in partnership with the NC State College of Design Natural Learning Initiative and through a Shape NC grant, Asheville Preschool staff designed an outdoor classroom for The Field and adjacent blacktop. We've prioritized adding natural elements to the space through the savvy use of small grants, donated materials, and volunteer labor, while keeping the space fully accessible to students. We're using the design as a vision for moving forward, while continually adjusting elements to best fit the site conditions - such as rain flow, shade, water access, elevation, efficiency of maintenance, and the way our students use the space and materials.
Connected with the vision and work through The Field page under our For Parents tab.
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