The Nature Explore Classroom
at Creighton University

JAMES R. RUSSELL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

 

Creighton University, James R. Russell Child Development Center is celebrating their 2nd year as a certified Nature Explore Classroom. 

Two areas have been redefined this year in the James R. Russell CDC Nature Explore Classroom. The digging area has a new border of logs. The picking flowers area has a 6 inch fence to protect them from stray soccer balls and to let the children know which flowers they can pick.

A large variety of activities are continually offered to allow children to have opportunities for quiet and noisy play, large and small motor activities, cognitive and creative activities and always various ways to appreciate nature.

All recent improvements were ideas of staff or a result of cues from the children. The tunnel was created because children were frequently running through the sensory berm and we wanted to give them an appropriate opportunity to travel through the area. Additional short tree stumps and logs were added around the classroom.

Creighton's Nature Explore Classroom was featured in recent monthly newsletters sent out to all families, highlighting current areas and their creative uses. An Open House was held on July 8th to encourage families to play in the classroom and see how all new features are being used.

Teachers have created several small group activities for all ages and encourage parents to join in and play during pick up time.

Parent volunteer, Jessica Heller, landscape maintenance at Creighton, dedicated much of her time to implementing the improvements. Center parents Jason Heller and Mike Ryle have continued to help with projects involving the water play and sand areas.