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“The cultivation of Trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful, and the ennobling in man.” —J. Sterling Morton
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Unstructured play in a Nature Explore Classroom benefits children educationally, behaviorally, and developmentally.

Nature Explore Club

Nature Explore Classroom Certification Standards

Standard 1: Ten Guiding Principles of a Well-designed Outdoor Space

Provide visual and written documentation that principles from the Learning With Nature Idea Book (and listed below) were used in the design of new spaces, or the redesign of existing spaces. When you apply, include pictures of each principle being used within the outdoor space. For renewal, we will ask you to provide evidence of annual maintenance.

  1. Principle 1: Divide the space into clearly delineated areas for different kinds of activities.
  2. Principle 2: Include a complete mix of activity areas.

    1. Recommended Areas Needed for Certification:

      Your Nature Explore Classroom music and movement area will encourage creative expression in young children.

      1. An entry feature
      2. An open area for large-motor activities
      3. A climbing/crawling area
      4. A “messy materials” area
      5. A building area
      6. A nature art area
      7. A music and movement area
      8. A garden and/or pathway through plantings
      9. A gathering area (A separate area, or one of the other larger areas could be used as a gathering area.)
      10. Storage area (This could be a single area, or storage could be included within each area as needed.)

    2. Supplemental areas (optional)

      1. A water area
      2. A dirt-digging area
      3. A sand area
      4. A wheeled-toy area
      5. An area for swings or other dynamic equipment
      6. A greenhouse
  3. Principle 3: Give areas simple names.
  4. Principle 4: Identify each area with a sign and or other visual clues.
  5. Principle 5: Be sure every area is visible at all times.
  6. Principle 6: Utilize a variety of natural materials, including trees and other live plants.
  7. Principle 7: Choose elements for durability and low maintenance.
  8. Principle 8: Maximize beauty and visual clarity in the overall design.
  9. Principle 9: Personalize the design with regional materials and ideas from children and staff.
  10. Principle 10: Be sure the space meets all regulatory standards for your region.

Nature Explore Workshops provide strategies and tools to help educators create effective outdoor learning experiences.

Involving parent volunteers is one way to increase awareness of the important role that nature plays in the lives of young children.

Standard 2: Staff Development

Your application will request that you tell us the name and position of at least one staff member per site who has attended a full-day Nature Explore Workshop. For renewal, we will ask you tell us about annual staff development relating to nature education.

Standard 3: Family Involvement

When you apply for certification, we will ask you to provide a brief description of activities you have conducted to increase family awareness and ongoing involvement in the Nature Explore Classroom and nature education for young children. Examples could include holding an open house, sending flyers home, providing Nature Explore Club home memberships, or recruiting parent volunteers. Provide number of families reached, if possible. You may wish to provide electronic images of activities, programs, etc.