The Nature Explore Classroom at WestLake Child Development Center

 

WestLake Child Development Center continues to utilize their outdoor classroom as an extension of their indoor program.

With help from the garden teacher, the weekly outdoor curriculum is tailored around the classroom themes and activities and includes but is not limited to: reading books, creating art projects, gross motor play, and science activities while enjoying the great outdoors!

The outdoor classroom remains to be a great open space for the children to learn and explore. Each area remains clearly defined with paths and signs: blocks, art, gross motor, quiet activities, the garden, the butterfly garden, the herb garden and the flower garden. Recycled rubber mulch provides good drainage for the garden plus a soft fall zone for the children. All materials used in the garden are native to Texas and require little maintenance.

State standards are continually followed and all licensing rules and regulations maintained.

The garden program is one the greatest features of WestLake Child Development Center, loved by parents, staff and children. One of the most favorite events at WestLake is the Mother's Day Event which is hosted in the Nature Explore Classroom. Last year the mother's enjoyed a scavenger hunt in the garden, a garden snack, and painting a flower pot. As a special treat, all mothers chose an herb to take home and plant in their own garden.

An annual Earth Day event was hosted in the outdoor classroom that provided parents with great tips and activities to do at home to help the environment. On a regular basis, garden bags are placed outside and parents and staff are encouraged to pick the vegetables to take home and enjoy!