In today’s technology-driven world, children spend more time indoors than ever before. Yet, research shows that spending time in nature is essential for early childhood development. Nature-based learning not only enhances physical health but also fosters cognitive growth, creativity, and emotional resilience. At La Maison du Soleil, we believe that the best classroom is often the great outdoors.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of nature-based learning, how outdoor play supports preschoolers’ development, and ways parents can encourage nature-based activities at home.
What is Nature-Based Learning?
Nature-based learning, also known as outdoor education or environmental learning, is an approach where children engage in hands-on activities in natural settings like parks, gardens, and outdoor play areas.
This type of learning goes beyond recess—it incorporates structured and unstructured play in nature to enhance academic, social, and physical development. Whether it’s digging in the soil, collecting leaves, or observing animals, nature-based learning sparks curiosity and discovery.
At La Maison du Soleil, we integrate outdoor learning experiences into our curriculum, allowing children to explore, play, and learn in ways that indoor classrooms can’t always provide.
5 Key Benefits of Nature-Based Learning in Early Childhood
1. Enhances Cognitive Development
Outdoor play engages multiple senses, helping children process information better and boost memory retention. Activities like counting flowers, sorting rocks, or tracking animal footprints encourage problem-solving, observation, and critical thinking skills.
💡 At-Home Tip: Take your child on a nature walk and ask them to describe what they see, hear, and feel. This encourages language development and sensory exploration.
2. Supports Physical Health and Motor Skills
Children naturally develop balance, coordination, and strength when they climb, run, or jump outdoors. Nature-based learning also promotes:
✔ Stronger immune systems through exposure to fresh air and natural elements.
✔ Reduced risk of childhood obesity by encouraging active play.
✔ Fine motor skill development through hands-on activities like digging, drawing in the dirt, or picking up small objects.
💡 At-Home Tip: Create an outdoor obstacle course using natural materials like logs, rocks, or even a simple hopscotch grid drawn with chalk.
3. Reduces Anxiety and Builds Emotional Resilience
Studies show that time in nature reduces stress, improves mood, and helps children self-regulate their emotions. Nature provides a calming environment that allows kids to:
✔ Manage frustration and anxiety more effectively.
✔ Learn patience and mindfulness through quiet observation.
✔ Feel a sense of independence and self-confidence by exploring on their own.
💡 At-Home Tip: Try cloud-watching or outdoor storytelling to help your child practice mindfulness in nature.
4. Encourages Creativity and Imagination
Outdoor spaces provide endless opportunities for creative play. Unlike structured indoor toys, nature inspires children to:
✔ Build with sticks, rocks, and leaves instead of plastic blocks.
✔ Pretend-play in open spaces (e.g., transforming a tree into a castle).
✔ Experiment with cause-and-effect by making mud pies, splashing in puddles, or creating nature art.
💡 At-Home Tip: Give your child a “Nature Treasure Hunt List” (e.g., find a red leaf, a smooth rock, or a bug) to spark curiosity and observation skills.
5. Promotes Social Skills and Teamwork
Outdoor play encourages cooperation, negotiation, and teamwork as children:
✔ Work together to build forts or dig holes.
✔ Take turns in nature-based games like hide-and-seek.
✔ Practice sharing and communication in group activities.
At La Maison du Soleil, we encourage group outdoor activities to foster friendships and collaborative learning.
💡 At-Home Tip: Plan a family picnic or playdate at the park where kids can interact and explore together.
How La Maison du Soleil Incorporates Nature-Based Learning
At La Maison du Soleil, we believe that children thrive when they connect with the natural world. That’s why we include:
🌳 Outdoor Learning Spaces – Our play areas encourage exploration, movement, and creativity.
🦋 Hands-On Nature Activities – Gardening, bug observations, and nature crafts help children engage with their environment.
🌞 Outdoor Circle Time – We bring learning outdoors with storytelling, group discussions, and interactive lessons.
🏃 Physical Play and Exploration – Running, jumping, and climbing promote gross motor development.
By providing these experiences, we ensure that every child benefits from fresh air, movement, and hands-on learning.
How Parents Can Support Nature-Based Learning at Home
Even if you live in an urban area, you can incorporate nature-based learning into your child’s routine with these simple ideas:
🌱 Start a Mini-Garden – Let your child plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables in a pot or backyard.
🏞 Explore Local Parks – Take weekend trips to nearby green spaces for nature walks and outdoor play.
🔬 Create a Nature Journal – Have your child draw, write, or collect leaves, flowers, and small objects they find outside.
🎨 Try Outdoor Art Projects – Use mud, sand, leaves, and rocks to create artwork.
🌿 Nature is the best classroom! Encouraging outdoor learning helps children develop physically, mentally, and emotionally while having fun.
Enroll Your Child at La Maison du Soleil for a Nature-Inspired Learning Experience!
At La Maison du Soleil, we create a learning environment where children’s curiosity, confidence, and love for the outdoors thrive.
📍 Located in Kearny, NJ
💰 Affordable tuition options, NJ subsidy programs accepted
👀 Live-stream video access included in tuition
🌞 Limited spots available—Contact us today to schedule a tour and give your child the best start in life!
