Outdoor Exploration is held each day for one hour. This is a time for students to freely explore their natural surroundings and interact with each other in a physically active setting. Following a Reggio Emilia approach, a majority of the activities are initiated by student interest, however more focused activities are provided for students who need it. In keeping with the philosophy of place-based education, students explore their immediate environment first, and work their way out as they develop. Thus, the year begins with exploration of their immediate play-yard. Playing chasing and fleeing games, climbing, exploring with sand and water, and watching plants grow in the greenhouse are favorite activities.

Then, students move to more natural and challenging environments such as Sagebrush Hill, where they hike, catch insects, build forts, play in the snow, search for particular colors or flowers, and play imaginative nature games. Students also explore other areas of the nearly 900 acre Jackson campus by taking treks to the large playfield, Vogel’s Hill, and other trails. Our commitment to providing an opportunity to play in nature is inspired by Richard Louv’s book, Last Child in the Woods.

In addition, each winter students have an opportunity to be physically active for several lessons with community experts from Dancer’s Workshop, Jackson Gymnastics, and Enclosure Climbing Gym.