Nature Explore Classroom

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.
 
Boy in log

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!

Girls making nature art

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.

Boy building with wood

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.

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.

Kids playing a wooden marimba

Test your balance as you move from the "stepping stone" logs to the balance beams in the Balance Area.

Girls balancing

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!

 

 

Maritz