In early childhood education, the environment plays a vital role in shaping a child’s fundamental skills. From autonomy and self-confidence to social, motor and cognitive abilities – all can be naturally nurtured through direct, authentic outdoor experiences.
At Avenor Nursery, the outdoor space is designed as an integrated learning environment, where every element is intentionally planned to support the child’s developmental stages.
We learn more about how outdoor space can serve as an educational resource that supports the physical, emotional, and social development of preschool children from Cristina Farcaș – Deputy Head of Nursery (Cașin).
In recent years, most children have been born and raised in highly controlled environments – often, unfortunately, overly protective ones: overly cautious parents or grandparents, “100% safe” materials and structures, countless indoor play spaces, fewer and fewer opportunities for trial–error–new attempt cycles, and excessive exposure to static activities deemed “safer”, such as screens, television, or worksheets.
The effects of these environments are already visibly present: an increase in various fears or, conversely, a reduced ability to anticipate danger and understand spatial dimensions, hesitation in decision-making, frustration, and clumsiness in social interactions – not to mention the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle.
At Avenor Nursery, nature is a core value that defines us. It is part of the solution offered by our educational philosophy to families who entrust us with their children. Our curriculum is intentionally and structurally built to include outdoor pedagogy: specific topics, field trips, time for outdoor learning, real-life experiences, and more.
Children have direct daily contact with nature for at least one hour in the outdoor space attached to each nursery site. Our playground is not just a space for recreation – it is thoughtfully designed as an open-air classroom where free play, including play that involves a small degree of risk, supports physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.
The role-play structure, with its slide, climbing panels, and sensory zones for maths and music, is a magnet for storytelling. Here, two children might become jungle explorers while others bang sticks on a vibrating panel. This kind of play helps develop gross motor skills, logical thinking, empathy, and collaboration. Adults supervise the younger children attentively, but always tactfully and non-intrusively, leaving room for freedom of expression and creativity.
The balance and adventure trail gives little ones the chance to overcome fears and build muscle strength. It is a space where they encourage one another – “You can do it!” – and help each other back up when they fall. These are key moments for developing self-confidence and resilience. Even the youngest children, under three, with close supervision from educators, enjoy small but meaningful achievements.
One of the most loved features is the zip line, used independently by the older children and with individual adult supervision by the younger ones. Beyond the ever-present laughter, it becomes a complex exercise in coordination, balance, and courage. Children decide for themselves when they are ready to go, while others cheer them on or applaud them at the end. It is a moment of personal autonomy, risk-taking, and peer support.
In the Mud Kitchen or Arts & Messy Play area, play becomes an explosion of creativity. Children cook up “mud soups” for their friends or paint directly onto paper, their hands, or even stones. These moments foster free expression, fine motor skills, and a healthy relationship with mistakes – because here, there’s no such thing as “too much mess”, only new discoveries.
The barefoot sensory path offers children a full tactile experience – from smooth stones to tree bark or sand. It’s an excellent exercise for body awareness, emotional regulation, and inner calm. Children often delight in comparing the sensations: “This one’s prickly!” “This one’s soft like a cloud!”
In the Little House role-play area, children negotiate roles – “Who’s the family? Who’s visiting?” – and develop vocabulary, social rules, and empathy. Meanwhile, bikes and ride-on toys provide constant movement and independence – “Shall we park here?” “Let’s go to the petrol station!” In doing so, they strengthen their gross motor skills, learn about space and speed, and practise respecting shared rules.
We are proud of how we have managed to meet most of the developmental needs of children aged 2 to 6 through all the elements integrated into our nursery’s outdoor space. In doing so, we not only nurture age-appropriate core skills but also offer challenges to those who can and want to go further. In line with the latest trends in outdoor education, we are ready to meet the specific needs and neurodiversity of the new generations of children.
