Our Outdoor Classroom Philosophy at Bright Beginnings

Outdoor Classroom Project

We are continuing to integrate the Outdoor Classroom Project into our schools in 2019. Did you know that Bright Beginnings Preschool is the only preschool in Virginia that is Level II certified? We are so proud to offer our children the facilities and teacher training that embodies the Outdoor Classroom Project. Please check out their website for lots of background information for parents and educators. Encouraging children and teachers to spend a large amount of quality learning and play time outdoors has benefits that extend for a lifetime. This year we are sending 2 more Bright Beginnings Directors to The Outdoor Classroom Project annual training!

The Outdoor Classroom Project believes that almost every activity that can be incorporated indoors can be done outdoors:

• Most activities that can be done indoors can be done outdoors. Some activities occur best outdoors; some can only occur outdoors.
• Children spend substantial periods of time outside, and it is easy and safe for them to get there; they are free to move easily between the indoors and outdoors.
• There is a full range of activities for children to participate in, including many activities that are traditionally thought of as “indoor activities.”
• The outdoor space offers a balance of areas for physically active and less active play.
• While outside, children frequently have the opportunity to initiate their own learning experiences and activities, with teachers available to support them.
• The outdoor curriculum evolves from and changes with children’s changing needs and interests.
• Children experience nature in as many ways as possible.

We encourage the teachers to do the following outdoors:

• Morning Meetings
• Art
• Bubbles and water play
• Sensory bins
• Science Experiments
• Cooking
• Lunch and snacks
• Blocks
• Music and Movement

Benefits of an Outdoor Classroom Environment:

Physical:

• Reduces ADHD, diabetes and obesity
• Strengthens eyesight
• Develops lungs
• Reduces stress
• Vitamin C and D

Cognitive:

• Fosters learners through self initiation
• Risk versus hazard differentiation

Psychological:

• Develops social and emotional mastery
• Self confidence
• Social emotional growth