At The New School both indoor and outdoor space is considered to be a part of the learning and educational environment. Both spaces are used
for formal and informal learning.
As Rusty Keeler, playscapes architect, says we want to provide space and time for “children to discover themselves and the world around them…tickle the imagination…make places for children of all abilities to interact with each other and the natural world.” The social learning that takes place as children companionably swing together, play chase games, or find private nooks is essential to a child’s busy school day. Adults are available to help negotiate the delicate nuances of play and we see these many moments as valuable moments for teaching and learning.
Outside at The New School, we have a combination of asphalt play space used for student-initiated and teacher-initiated organized games, a grassy space with a traditional fixed climber with swings, slides and tower and we have a woods area with a myriad of loose parts-logs and wood for combining and recombining as houses, forts, and small cozy spaces.
On a daily and weekly basis children at The New School go outside for a half hour gym which is both open play and organized games, as well as lunch (weather permitting). Younger children often get an additional 15 minute break between structured learning activities. Throughout the year we take many trips for recreation, or tied to science and social studies classes, going to city/county parks and historical landmarks. We also go camping overnight to Highland Forest at the beginning and the end of each year. The camping trips build community between children and families as we hike, ride horses, set off rockets and enjoy the natural spaces.