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STAMFORD, Conn. In an attempt to get kids to go outside and become more familiar with the environment around them, Stamfords Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens opened a Nature Explore Classroom on Friday afternoon.
This is great, 5-year-old Nicholas Martignoni said as he dashed from one area to the next, trying out everything the classroom had to offer.
Anything to encourage kids to get outside, even if it's just to look around, is good, Allie Lawler said as her two sons built a fort in the climbing/crawling area. Its terrific.
The 4,000-square-foot secluded outdoor area has seven settings: gathering, messy materials, building, climbing/crawling, music/movement, nature art and an open area. Each combines education and play for children with hands-on activities. Each area features wood, stones and other natural materials for kids to play with or learn about.
Todd DuPont, Bartletts director of childrens education, will develop a curriculum to provide teachers with direction when using the classroom. Here, even the playtime can be educational. Many of the Stamford kids whom DuPont encounters are not used to being in the type of environment the arboretum provides.
They are completely petrified, he said, explaining that some children do not know what to expect outside. Giving them a chance to play outdoors will make them more comfortable, DuPont said.
The arboretum began talking about Connecticuts first certified Nature Explore Classroom with the Arbor Day Foundation about a year. The clearing and building took place over the summer, DuPont said. This is just the beginning, he said, adding that he hopes to add more sections to keep the childrens education program growing.
Bartlett received help from sponsors Keep America Beautiful and PepsiCo to build the classroom.
Contact reporter Anthony Buzzeo, tbuzzeo@TheDailyStamford.com.
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