An outdoor learning environment should inspire curiosity, exploration, creativity, discovery, physical activity, and meaningful play. Rich with plants, natural materials, and opportunities for open-ended investigation, it becomes an extension of the classroom where children can inquire, imagine, create, and connect with the natural world.

Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor learning. School is a place of exploration and discovery, and children’s learning should flow naturally between both environments.

Like the indoor classroom, the outdoor environment can serve as the third teacher. The physical space should invite exploration, encourage relationships, and offer children meaningful choices. Pathways created with plants, natural materials, stones, or varied surfaces can guide children’s movement while encouraging both active play and quieter moments of investigation.

Rather than directing children, the environment invites them to wonder, experiment, collaborate, and discover.

“The layout of the physical space in schools encourages encounters, communication and relationships.”
— Reggio Children

Every Full-Day Kindergarten program has unique opportunities and challenges. Whether you have a large courtyard, a small fenced area, or a simple patch of pavement, thoughtful design and a shared vision can transform any outdoor space into a rich learning environment.

Some of the most rewarding journeys begin with a simple idea.

Our Outdoor Learning Journey

Our vision for our outdoor environment began in 2010. At the time, our courtyard consisted of little more than three small trees and a great deal of asphalt.

With the support of the Ontario Ministry of Education, our school administration, Parent and Family Literacy initiatives, our families, and an incredible team of four dedicated educators—along with the hard work and craftsmanship of my husband, Martin—our vision slowly began to take shape.

What you see here represents years of collaboration, creativity, and persistence.

Although we are incredibly proud of how far the space has come, this journey is far from complete. Like children’s learning, an outdoor environment is always evolving. Each season brings new ideas, new discoveries, and new opportunities to grow alongside the children who learn within it.

Highlights from Our Journey

• Our Sandbox — handcrafted by Martin.
• Gardens and plants — generously donated and planted by our families.
• Evergreen safety surfacing — added to create a safer environment while preserving opportunities for active play.

We hope our journey inspires other educators to imagine what is possible within their own outdoor spaces. Every transformation begins with a single idea, and sometimes the most meaningful learning environments grow one small step at a time.

Learn More

To explore the important role of the environment as the third teacher, both indoors and outdoors, visit our Environment as the Third Educator section here on The Learning Sandbox.