Learning beyond walls in my home childcare is prioritizing outdoor, play-based learning. This approach gives me the opportunity to use my backyard as a place for experiential learning, focusing on the seasons, noticing what is around us, and slowing down from the hustle and hurried life that often leaves educators overwhelmed or inadequate. Learning beyond the classroom walls allows children to develop problem-solving skills, persistence, and an appreciation for all seasons and the environment, and it rewards them with scientific thinking without worksheets or structured outcomes.
Here is an example of how we use winter ice for learning that meets many learning standards, including creativity, mathematics, and science.
No worksheets.
No directions.
No outcome to produce.
No directions.
No outcome to produce.
Just children’s curiosity, ice blocks, and stones.
After snow and rain, the ground gifted us frozen blocks —
a simple Midwest winter invitation. Leave a few containers outside, and nature will do the rest.
a simple Midwest winter invitation. Leave a few containers outside, and nature will do the rest.
The children gathered large stones and began cracking the ice,
breaking large pieces into smaller ones.
breaking large pieces into smaller ones.
They listened to the impact of the stones breaking solid ice.
They watched fragments spread.
They adjusted their strength and approach with each attempt to break chunks of ice. In addition, children chose different-sized spoons to help smash large chunks of ice into smaller pieces.
They adjusted their strength and approach with each attempt to break chunks of ice. In addition, children chose different-sized spoons to help smash large chunks of ice into smaller pieces.
I didn’t rush their inquiry but watched them play with science and mathematics – theories that are often left for older children. Yet this simple yet profound play inquiry helped children use various materials to break the ice. I enjoyed feeling the warmth of the sun on this January day, and it was our first day back from the long winter break.
This is how learning unfolds in my home childcare. I work alone and use observation, interpretation, and close connections as part of my daily rhythm. It’s always a joy to watch their little hands and bodies persist without top-down instructions.
I offer time, trust, and rich materials — instead of how-to guides.
I offer time, trust, and rich materials — instead of how-to guides.
I wish every home childcare provider had the opportunity to step back and let children engage with their environment slowly, without rushing from one activity to the next.
This single moment held science, problem-solving, and persistence —
not as boxes to check on a lesson plan, but as experiences to live.
not as boxes to check on a lesson plan, but as experiences to live.
The following day, the children went on to smash the ice that had formed in the community playthings’ water table. Only this time, they were rescuing frozen animals and garden roots from the ice.
Using the season.
Using my backyard.
Using snow and rain as teachers. Outdoor learning can be alive even with limited materials.
Using my backyard.
Using snow and rain as teachers. Outdoor learning can be alive even with limited materials.
Yes, welcome to a classroom beyond walls.
Until next time, I am Miss Sue in the trenches with you.
