Nature Explore and the Outdoor Classroom Project are among the organizations at the forefront of the movement to create nature-based learning environments in early childhood settings. At the time of the study, hundreds of outdoor classrooms had been built using their evidence-based guiding principles. This 2014 post-occupancy study examined the extent to which these spaces produced their intended outcomes.
Overall, our findings support existing theories linking nature-based outdoor education to positive learning and developmental outcomes, including enhanced imaginative play, increased physical and mental well-being, and environmental stewardship. The most successful environments: (1) maximized choices, (2) provided many distinct spaces, especially child-sized ones, (3) embedded play affordances within pathways and borders, (4) encouraged spatial evolution, and (5) supported ongoing stakeholder engagement. This study both affirmed and expanded the Nature Explore approach to designing and implementing Natural Outdoor Classrooms.
