At Schoolhouse Learning Center, we believe that some of the most important learning happens outdoors. Time spent outside is more than just fun though it supports your child’s development in physical, emotional, social and cognitive ways too.
Below, we explain why outdoor play is so valuable, how we ensure children of all ages get plenty of it, and how parents can support this at home.
The Benefits of Outdoor Play
- Physical health and development
Being active outside helps children build strong muscles and bones, improves coordination, balance, and supports healthy weight. Fresh air, sunlight, and varied terrain give them a more well-rounded experience than indoor-only play. - Cognitive growth and curiosity
Nature is full of stimuli: textures, sounds, light, movement, colors. When children explore outdoors, they are more likely to ask questions, test hypotheses (e.g. “What happens if I dig this soil?”), observe changes, and engage their senses. This builds scientific thinking, language, creativity, and problem solving. - Emotional well-being
Outdoor play can reduce stress, lessen hyperactivity, and improve mood. Time outdoors helps children calm themselves, practice resilience (when things don’t go exactly as planned), and develop confidence. - Social skills
When children play together outside—whether building, pretending, racing, exploring—they learn cooperation, negotiation, turn-taking, empathy, and leadership. Outdoor settings often spur more imaginative, collaborative play than more structured indoor settings. - Connection with the environment
Early exposure to nature helps children develop an appreciation of the world around them. This can foster environmental stewardship later, and a healthier lifestyle overall.
How We Make Outdoor Play a Priority at Schoolhouse Learning Center
We don’t just believe in outdoor play instead we live it. Here are some of the ways we ensure every child, from our youngest to our oldest, benefits from daily time outside:
- Scheduled outdoor sessions every day
Whatever the weather allows (with safety in mind), we schedule outdoor time daily in the morning and afternoon so that all age groups get regular, consistent access to the outdoors. - Age-appropriate outdoor activities
From infants (6 weeks) to 12-year-olds, we design outdoor opportunities suited to each developmental stage: sensory walks, climbing and balancing equipment, playground games, nature exploration, water play in summer, etc. - Safe, well-equipped outdoor spaces
Our playgrounds are maintained, inspected regularly, and equipped with safe materials. We provide shade, hydration stations, and appropriate gear (e.g. sun protection, warm clothing) so children can play comfortably in varied weather. - Outdoor learning ties into curriculum
Our curriculum themes often include outdoor components: science, art, even literacy. For example, counting leaves, animal tracks, or weather observation become hands-on lessons outdoors. - Staff training and supervision
Our teachers are trained to facilitate safe, meaningful outdoor play. They encourage exploration and risk-taking (within safe limits), help children try new movements, support social interaction, and ensure each child is included. - Communication with families
We share weekly lesson plans and outdoor theme activities so parents know what to expect. We also provide tips for how families can extend outdoor learning at home.
What You Can Do for Your Child’s Outdoor Growth
You play a huge role outside of school in reinforcing the benefits of outdoor play. Here are some ways you can help:
- Make outdoor time a regular part of your family routine. Even 15–30 minutes of active play in the yard, park, or neighborhood counts.
- Encourage free play: less structure, more exploring. Let kids lead sometimes.
- Dress for the weather. Layers, hats, waterproof boots or raincoats can make a big difference.
- Bring nature into your life together: go on walks, identify plants or birds, collect rocks or leaves, visit local parks.
- Talk about what your child noticed or discovered outdoors to strengthen observation and language skills.
Why It Matters for Our Community
At Schoolhouse Learning Center, we see firsthand the transformative effect daily outdoor play has on our students. It enhances their physical health, supports their emotional resilience, encourages curiosity, and builds social skills. We are committed to ensuring that all children in our care have consistent, safe, joyful time outside every single day.
Join Us in Getting Outside
- Parents: Ask your child’s teacher about what outdoor activities they’ll be doing this week. Share what your child enjoyed outdoors at home. We love to build those connections.
- Enroll now: If you’re looking for a caring, focused center that values outdoor experiences, come tour Schoolhouse Learning Center. See our outdoor spaces, meet our teachers, and discover how being outside is baked into our daily routine.
- Stay connected: Follow our blog and social media to see photos and stories of our outdoor learning adventures. We’ll also post ideas you can try at home.
We believe outside is more than just a space—it’s a classroom, a playground, a laboratory, and a place for wonder. Thank you for trusting us with your child’s growth, and for partnering with us to foster love of learning, health, and joy—both inside and out.