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Outdoor Learning Environment

According to NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, nature-based programs are keenly attuned to the positive effects of outdoor learning such as improved physical strength, rich language, development, direct experiences with science content, and opportunities for construction and problem-solving with natural materials. But just as profound is children’s emotional development. Children develop self-awareness and a sense of belonging by playing and learning outdoors. They also develop an attitude of empathy through unstructured outdoor play, especially when educators set a mindful tone. Empathy reveals a powerful path for children to develop respect for the diversity and complexities within our communities.

Bemis Farms is proud to offer one of the state’s largest outdoor play areas. Each age group has their own playground. We also have a flower/fairy garden, vegetable/fruit gardens, butterfly (and sometimes dinosaur) garden and nature trails for the children to explore and enjoy. This abundance of outdoor space encourages play to help build their skills and healthy, active habits.

Outside time presents many opportunities for active participatory learning, not only in physical growth, but in other domains of development as well. Spending time outside provides children with opportunities to enjoy physical, noisy, and vigorous play. Being outdoors lets children and adults alike use all their senses to appreciate nature. Children’s pretend play ranges over a wider area than in the classroom. Children can use different kinds of materials – for example: trees, flowerbeds, climbers, and so much more. Outside play encourages healthy risk taking, supports creativity, and problem-solving skills.

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Additional benefits of outdoor learning

  • Sense of wonder
  • Hands on approach to learning
  • Promotes independence and initiative
  • Learners become responsible for their personal explorations
child playing outdoors in swing set
OLE Olivia - Swings
school age child playing with worms in outdoor learning environment
OLE School age - Ophelia - worms
children excercising outdoors on bike path
OLE - Bike Path
student created fairy garden
OLE - fairy garden
red_bugs
red_bugs
child holding caterpillar jar outdoors
OLE Ava - caterpillar 2 -
  • Gain experience in hypothesizing and conclusion building
  • Incorporates science into their everyday lives
  • Develops early math skills such as sorting & counting
  • Personal and social development

“When we choose to listen, the voice of nature is powerful and unique”

  • Teamwork & communication
  • Self-awareness, self-confidence, self-regulation & self-discipline
  • Enhances cognitive abilities
  • Supports unique & varied styles of learning
  • Increases physical activity
  • Reduces stress
  • Practice motor development skills in a natural setting
children setting up fairy garden in their outdoor learning environment
OLE - working in fairy garden 2
toddler in snow
OLE Blue -Abbie snow
child outdoors making leprechaun traps in dirt
OLE Emelia - making Leprachaun traps in the dirt
child playing with sand outdoors
OLE Green - Cole - Sandbox
toddler in outdoor learning environment with wood chips
OLE- Ayla Wood Chips
children learnig about nature in an outdoors hiking trail
OLE - nature trail
student built fort in saline woods
OLE - fort
child finding flowers in outdoor learning environment
OLE - Yellow finding flowers

Where Kids Meet Nature

734-944-1709

77 W. Bemis Road, Saline, MI 48176 | info@bemisfarmschildcare.com

©2023 Bemis Farms. Website Design and Development by Wavelength.

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  • Programs
    • Programs & Curriculum
    • Infants/Toddlers
    • Yellow Group (Infants/Toddlers)
    • Blue Group (Toddlers)
    • Preschool Programs
    • Purple Group (2.5 – 3)
    • Green Group (3 – 4)
    • Gold Group (4 – 5)
    • School-Age Programs
    • Extended Care
    • Summer Camp
  • About
    • Our Roots
    • Administration
    • Rooted in Community
    • Parent Resources
    • Events
    • Why Choose Bemis Farms?
    • Outdoor Learning Environment
  • Join Our Team
    • Team Testimonials
    • Why Join our Team?
  • Contact Us
  • Lincoln Location
    • Preschool at Model
    • Extended Care at Lincoln
    • Summer Camp at Lincoln