Why Outdoors?
Cognitive Function Skills
Exposure to natural settings increases children’s ability to focus and therefore enhances cognitive abilities. Children develop deep themes of play when allowed to spend time outdoors in the woods which leads to greater problem solving skills and innovation.
Motor skills
As children have been spending more time indoors during school days and unable to explore outdoors as children once were, the need for occupational therapy has significantly increased. Outdoor exploration improves visual skills, auditory processing, vestibular sense , as well as fine and gross motor skills.
Mental Health
Being outdoors increases blood levels of natural opiates called endorphins which are an important part of the stress response system. Nature helps reduce stress in children. Further, the more plants, green views and access to natural play and learning areas, the more positive the results.
Physical Health
Our bodies need sunlight to make vitamin D, a vitamin that plays a critical part in many things in the body, from bone development to our immune system. Sun exposure also can bring healthy sleep and a better mood. When using proper sun protection, children's bodies work best when they are exposed to sunshine every day. Having school outdoors allows children to get exercise throughout their day, not at a selected time in the day. At Morse Hill they will not be walking classroom to classroom, but moving through an 85 acre classroom. Their strength and endurance will grow each day, giving them energy and a sharper cognitive focus. Finally, with COVID-19 research has shown that being outdoors significantly reduces the spread of the disease. Parents can feel secure in knowing they are eliminating some risk by having their child attend school in the outdoors. Please see our Covid 19 safety protocols for more information.