What is Outdoor Classroom, and why do we do it?

At St. Joseph Catholic school we are incredibly blessed to have the beautiful Heritage Grove Park right in our backyard. Each day Kindergarten students spend roughly an hour in our outdoor learning environment. During this time children are given the opportunity to enhance their education through hands-on and explorative learning. The outdoor classroom invites conversations about God's wonderful creations, and helps young students gain a respect and understanding for the Treaty 6 land we live on. We have also found that this time outside reduces stress and enhances focus in our little learners! We take our children out to the forest every day. Research shows experience in nature invites creative play, language, and imagination. The children develop a connection, and empathy for nature.