LINCOLN (SNR) – Five years ago, the preschool at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln decided to do away with worksheets, bright plastic totes, and posters. Instead, natural materials were brought inside and the classroom was extended outside with a Certified Nature Explore Classroom.
Cathedral hired local designers and pursued certification for their outdoor classroom from the Nature Explore Program, a national nonprofit that works with a network of organizations across the country to “help nature become an integral, joyful part of children’s daily learning,” according to their website.
That designation meant not only creating a well-designed outdoor space but also committing to staff development and family involvement. Nature Explore provides research-based workshops, design consultations and resources to support programs as they connect children and families to nature. Research has shown that time in nature positively affects a child’s emotional development including reduced incidents of hyperactivity, depression, tantrums and internalized frustration.
The outdoor classroom space at Cathedral’s preschool, completed in the spring of 2017, includes a water table, a dirt-digging area, a sand box, a gathering place, a stage for music and movement, garden beds with herbs and vegetables, a butterfly garden, and a Marian grotto.
“For many of us, our best memories of childhood were hours spent in the sandbox digging rivers and lakes, climbing trees or chasing kittens with cousins at grandma’s farm,” said Emily Villa, a Cathedral school parent. “Unfortunately, our kids in the city today don’t have many opportunities to make those kinds of discoveries, and we aren’t comfortable sending them out to explore alone like our parents did before seatbelts were invented! At Cathedral’s preschool, they have a powerful combination: a safe space to discover and play, and curious adults who encourage their wonder at creation then build on those discoveries when they go back inside.”
A day in the preschool starts with an opening prayer and time to talk about the day ahead. For example, if it’s a holy day of obligation, the class talks about what that means, explained Patricia Korensky, the preschool’s half-day teacher. After that, the day includes table activities to work on fine motor skills, outdoor time, free time, time for songs and learning the “letter of the day.”
Children take turns with the story stones or story cards, depending on their age. The stones and cards have images on them that serve as prompts for the children to make up stories to share with the class. Storytelling encourages self-expression and ownership, so the children are given this opportunity to practice it naturally and with purpose.
Elizabeth Izquierdo, the preschool’s full day teacher, said she felt “blessed” to teach in a Catholic Certified Nature Explore Preschool.
“This is a place where children are seen as capable, where their ideas are honored and their interests shape our daily learning experiences, both indoors and outdoors,” she said. “Materials are chosen with the child in mind and are meant to be an invitation to play. One of the most inspiring moments is when I expect my students to use materials in a certain way, and then they come up with an idea for play that is so much more meaningful than anything I could have planned. It reminds me of my role as facilitator.
“My job,” she continued, “is to invite students to engage with the world around them, to observe and provide support through challenges, and to celebrate each of my students as they deepen their understanding and gain confidence in new skills. Most importantly, I get to do this in a faith-filled environment where all beauty and wonder point us back to our Creator and the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ.”
Cathedral’s half day program has openings available. To enroll, call the school at 402-489-9621 to schedule a tour or go to www.cathedraleagles.com/aboutus/pre-kindergarten.
Story and photos courtesy Kathryn Mullin, Cathedral
