Cville Girls Show Their Stuff In Tech Competitions

Construction will begin this spring on Phase 2 of the Early Childhood Natural Classroom on the Belfield Campus thanks to generous donors.

By Director of the Pre-School Program Kathy Carpenter, P. ’07, ’09, & ’12

Children flourish through outdoor experiences. Engaging in outdoor play enhances children’s immunity, sharpens senses, fortifies motor abilities, sparks creativity, nurtures imagination, fosters socio-emotional growth, and establishes essential groundwork for emerging academic skills. With consistent outdoor exposure, children develop resilience, endurance, independence, and exhibit greater calmness and confidence compared to peers (Harrison, Harrison, and McArdle, 2013).

For these reasons and countless others, we were so thrilled to see Phase 1 of the Early Childhood Natural Classroom come to life this fall. The photos on these pages can’t fully express the infectious joy and intentional learning that takes place each day. And thanks to generous donors, the next phase of evolution for our natural classrooms will begin this spring. Phase 2 will create distinct outdoor learning spaces to support the delivery of curricula, enhance the character and usability of the land, and preserve some historic features of our School.

Plans include a network of interconnected paths, shaded learning and gathering spots, climbing and obstacle challenges to support gross and fine motor development, STEM and art labs, and much more. We envision these communal and flexible spaces will be used by all divisions. Imagine art lab installations by Upper School students, environmental education for K – 4 Science classes, or Middle School students growing vegetables for the food bank. It is exciting to be part of further realizing our mission of educating the whole child: body, heart, mind, and soul.