On March 29, 2008, Shaw Nature Reserve opened its Nature Explore Classroom. This engaging outdoor creative area is the product of a collaborative effort with the National Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation. Developed as a response to the growing disconnect between children and nature, Nature Explore Classrooms feature outdoor "rooms" where young children can manipulate natural materials in creative and unstructured play. |
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In the Nature Art Area children use materials from nature to create patterns and designs. The materials might include plant parts, seed pods, shells, or bones! |
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Build a towering structure or an entire city out of blocks made from local trees in the Build It Area. Children strengthen their visual-spacial, mathematical and abstract thinking skills while working with these wood blocks and other shapes from nature.
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The Climbing and Crawling Area features crawl-through logs and climbing steps. Children can also test their balance on the balance beams found throughout the area.
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Play along with the symphony of nature…the croaking frogs, buzzing bees, and singing birds…in the Music and Movement Area. Dance like a butterfly on the nearby stage as children play a tune on the marimba and other instruments made from natural objects. |
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Test your balance as you move from the "stepping stone" logs to the balance beams in the Balance Area. |
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Build a city out of sand and rocks in one of two areas located in the Messy Materials Area. Or maybe constructing a fort out of bamboo is more to your liking! This area is for digging, crawling, and exploring!
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