I know some of you do or are thinking of doing a nature based program, so I'm hoping you have some ideas for me. Right now I do a traditional indoor (with plenty of outdoor playtime) program with a preschool curriculum. Maybe I have a huge case of spring fever after a REALLY long winter, but I would love to find a way to spend more time outdoors this summer and still run an educational preschool program at the same time. We do run a more "relaxed" program in the summer, but I have some smart kiddos who thrive off of the more traditional, planned activity, learning numbers and letters type of activities right now. In particular, I have an EXTREMELY bright 4 year old (he is reading any word he sees-not just sight words, can do math problems, loves to find places on the globe, etc.) who does really well when challenged and has a difficult time with less structure.

I love being outside and already integrate gardening and other nature based activities with the kids, we do water play often, we go to the park/on nature hikes, etc. during the summer. However, I am contemplating putting together an outdoor classroom and spending most of our time outside this summer. I'm not sure how to do it, but I've been inspired by a training class that I am attending in April and a community 2 day "Nature Camp" being offered at a local park for preschoolers this summer. I would love to spend this summer (and hopefully many more summers to come) in an outdoor classroom. I have an area that we already use for stories, songs, etc., we have little picnic tables for eating/crafts, I have some easels I could permanently store outside, I could bring the sensory table out. We already have bikes/cars/etc., a play structure, a garden, portable greenhouses, and a sandbox out there. The yard is fenced and I plan to set up some toys, etc. for the littler ones.

What other ideas do you have? Does anyone do this? If so, how is it set up? Do you have manipulatives and other "toys" out there? Does your yard always look like a daycare? I have many ideas, but I don't know how to put them all together and how to do this. I am willing to spend some money to do this (I got a large monetary gift from grandparents of one of my dcks at Christmas that I've been waiting to do something special with), and I would like to set up a quality environment that I can use for many years to come.

Also, do you spend all day (except for naptime) out there, or do you do morning or afternoon or a mix? Do you have a "schedule" (circle time/art/organized play/free play/"traditional" outdoor play), or do you provide the materials and "let them go?" Also, do you have a dramatic play area outside, and if so, do you have any great theming ideas?

I would love to get this Minnesota blood outside more this summer and would love your input! Thanks!

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