A Post-Occupancy Study of Nature-Based Outdoor Classrooms in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

Nature Explore and the Outdoor Classroom Project are among the organizations at the forefront of the movement to create nature-based learning environments in early childhood settings. To date, hundreds of outdoor classrooms have been built using their evidence-based guiding principles. This post-occupancy study examined the extent to which these spaces produced their intended outcomes. Overall, our findings support existing theories linking nature-based outdoor education to positive learning and developmental outcomes including enhanced imaginative play, increased physical and mental well-being, and environmental stewardship. However, the most successful environments: (1) maximized choices, (2) provided many distinct spaces, especially child-sized ones, (3) embedded play affordances within pathways and borders, (4) encouraged spatial evolution, and (5) supported ongoing stakeholder engagement.