5 HELPFUL things to consider when designing, nature-rich outdoor spaces for learning through nature play!

Establish a plan for continued and regular staff development / training

Consider the lifespan of an outdoor classroom and how to keep engagement high

Establish a maintenance plan

➡️ Cultivate a Community of Learners

Supporting research and anecdotal examples

Seek out field-tested products and natural materials

Provide an abundance of evolving/changing/manipulatable elements

Make outdoor spaces adult-friendly, too (storage, seating, visibility, etc.)

➡️ Design Thoughtfully

Consider activities that make ‘good neighbors’ and a gradient of activity

Incorporate your team’s skillsets into your design and process

Responding to the site (drainage, wind, sun/shade, etc.)

Incorporate stories, culture and elements of significance

And, it can be done in stages, 1 step at a time.

Thanks to Jeff Lindstrom, Senior Outdoor Classroom Designer with Nature Explore!

Read more here