The concept of the Outdoor Classroom is built upon the premise that children need a broad variety of learning experiences and opportunities to grow in areas such as gross and fine motor development, social-emotional development, language development, and creative expression. Mastery of these skills is critical for healthy development and requires an educational format that is different from a traditional classroom. The Yadkin Valley Community School students designed their own outside space that includes a garden, worm bin (for compost), work table, digging pit and cob sculpture (which is a home for insects). Our students enjoy learning in the outside classroom. There they can study science by planting seeds or doing experiments. They can practice their math skills while measuring and building. It’s even a great place to enjoy lunch or music.

Kids love to get outside and explore! Fortunately, we live in an area rich in natural resources and have many opportunities for exploration.  The school also utilizes the trails and the river that are in its backyard as part of its “outside classroom”.