Outdoor Learning Center
The Outdoor Learning Center (OLC) at Sussex Christian School provides an extension of the learning environment for all grade levels, allowing children to get outside, change environments, and get hands-on experience learning about God’s incredible creation.
Classes use the OLC on a regular basis for a variety of purposes. Some days, the outdoor classrooms provide a change of scenery, as nearly every classroom activity can be modified for outdoor learning thanks to six outdoor classrooms with a variety of configurations. It’s common to see primary students practicing reading in clusters outside, or middle school art classes creating from the warm greenhouse on a winter day.
Between our vegetable garden, greenhouse, butterfly garden, composter, and pumpkin patch, there are also many opportunities for science and STEM learning, as students explore God’s creation, learn plant biology, and experiment with growing and gardening.
“My students absolutely love to be outside. As soon as I say we are going to the OLC, they get excited. I find that they are very eager to learn whatever it is we are doing, especially if it has as hands on component like planting. Movement is also so important… sitting in a desk all day is not ideal! The opportunities for movement are endless at the OLC. I’ve used the OLC to teach art, Bible, alphabet, math, and science. I’m pretty sure there is not a single subject that couldn’t be done outside! My personal favorite is growing things from seed to harvest and using nature to have a hands-on experience with the alphabet.”
“First Graders love to go to the OLC! We like to do different activities like reading, doing our bible lessons and science, but our favorite thing to do is go on a nature walk… The OLC has allowed us to learn about something in the classroom, then go explore those things outside the classroom and see the world outside a workbook!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the various learning areas and how do they relate to the educational process?
The Outdoor Learning Center has workspaces with picnic tables, whiteboards, and outdoor seating for traditional instruction in the areas of reading, writing, math, science, and other content areas.
Additional learning spaces include the school garden, the greenhouse, the butterfly gardens, the walking trail, and other natural growing spaces which are a part of our science and STEM curricula and learning objectives.
What types of plants are grown in the Outdoor Learning Center?
Different classes take on different growing projects throughout the year based on varying curricula. Some plants previously grown are beans, peas, strawberries, potatoes, and pumpkins.
How do students learn outside? Aren’t they distracted?
Just like any other classroom routine like reading on the carpet, writing on the board, going to their lockers, with frequency and use, students become well acquainted with the process of learning outside. In just a few weeks, the OLC becomes an extension of the classroom.
What are the security protocols in place for the Outdoor Learning Center?
Teachers and staff members are trained on the various drills and emergency procedures and how they relate to the OLC. The Administration, in conjunction with the State Police, have put into place safety protocols to ensure an incredible, safe learning environment.
What types of clothing are students expected to wear for outdoor learning?
Teachers communicate with parents regarding OLC activities in the non-traditional instruction areas so that students may wear jeans, boots, gardening gloves, and other appropriate clothing. Parents and students can expect to spend time outdoors every day between outdoor learning and recess time, and should bring weather appropriate clothing for rain, snow, and sunny days!
