Daily Rhythm & The Why Behind It

Do we really play ALL day?

Nature Play All Day emphasizes play as the primary focus for the learning of young children.

The group is outdoors about 90% (or more) of daily program hours, year-round. We are indoors during high-winds, extreme low temperatures, and dangerous weather conditions.

Our play pedagogy embraces the principles of integrating with nature, connecting to a place with a sense of belonging, and a stewardship to natural surroundings.

Nature Play All Day believes that immersing young children in outdoor play through the natural elements will ignite curiosity, build stamina, and ultimately provide opportunities for independent learning and growth.

This is a rough flow of programming schedule and may shift based on time of year, group dynamics, and day of the week.

If all they do is play, how will they learn?

Unstructured nature play is incredibly developmentally appropriate for young children as it fosters holistic growth across various domains. Firstly, it encourages imagination and creativity, allowing children to invent games, stories, and scenarios using natural materials like sticks, leaves, and rocks. This unstructured play also promotes problem-solving skills as children navigate the natural environment, such as figuring out how to cross a stream or climb a tree safely.

Moreover, nature play supports physical development by providing opportunities for movement, balance, and sensory exploration. Running, jumping, climbing, and digging in natural settings help children develop gross motor skills and spatial awareness. Additionally, exposure to different textures, temperatures, and smells in nature stimulates sensory development.

Furthermore, unstructured nature play promotes emotional well-being by offering a peaceful and calming environment for children to unwind, reduce stress, and regulate their emotions. Nature's soothing qualities can help alleviate anxiety and improve mood.

Lastly, nature play encourages environmental stewardship by fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for the natural world. Through hands-on experiences in nature, children develop a sense of responsibility and empathy towards plants, animals, and the Earth.

In summary, unstructured nature play is developmentally appropriate for young children as it nurtures creativity, problem-solving, physical skills, emotional well-being, and environmental awareness, setting a strong foundation for overall growth and development.