We love educational spaces that challenge convention and just this week ran across this beautiful New York Times Magazine piece about outdoor-focused preschools. The concepts are so beautiful, simple, and consistent with schooling principles like Montessori, Steiner-Waldorf, or Reggio Emilia and we wanted to share.

What we particularly love is the idea – really, the simple truth – that children need space to roam and experience and simply be.

As in the Montessori classroom, we recognize things can break (glassware) and children might get hurt during play. But the critical difference between a traditional approach to education and what these outdoor and alternative preschool experiences offer is an opportunity for children to do just that.

They can climb, poke, hide, run and all with guidance but not interference.

Where many approaches to education seek to shrink the box that holds a child’s curiosity and creativity, other approaches bristle at the idea that there is a box at all. In fact, the space is wide and infinite and ready to explore, experience, and transform.

We love to hear from you. How do you give your children space to discover? What are some approaches to education that you love that free your child to “the woods” that they naturally love? Share in the comments below.

About the Author

Bill Anderson is a father of 4 who shares his experiences about parenting and life with Guidepost Parent.

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