The Nature Explore Classroom at the Kid's Corner Preschool in Fredericktown, Missouri is the third to be constructed and certified in Missouri. The first Nature Explore Classroom is located in the Arbor Day Farm(r) Tree Adventure(tm) attraction, the Arbor Day Foundation's interactive conservation venue in Nebraska City, Nebraska.

Kid’s Corner owner Kim Clauser said the Brunk family did a lot of the work on the outdoor classroom.

Nature Explore Classrooms are part of the Nature Explore Program, a collaborative project of the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation. Developed in response to the growing disconnect between children and nature, Certified Nature Explore Classrooms are designed to help fill the void by educating young children using research-based principles for integrating nature into their daily learning.

These Classrooms offer interactive elements - including climbing structures, musical instruments made of natural materials, wooden blocks, small waterways, and natural materials for building and creating art - that give children important and inspiring nature experiences.

While connecting children with nature, such unstructured play and activities are shown to enhance concentration, develop creativity and problem-solving, relieve stress, and improve skills in many areas.

Kid’s Corner has a butterfly hill, a messy materials area, a stage, climbing area, sand area, water fountain, dirt and garden area, nature art and more.

Outdoor classrooms that are designed according to principles described in the Dimensions Foundation's Learning With Nature Idea Book are eligible to become certified Nature Explore Classrooms.   

“Kid's Corner Preschool has taken an important leadership role in a profoundly needed initiative to connect young children with nature, setting a wonderful example for child-care centers across the country,” said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.

“Everyone at the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation appreciate the commitment Kid's Corner Preschool has made to the Nature Explore program and the role that nature plays in the lives of young children.”

For more information visit: arborday.org