An Inside Look at Jewish Beginnings Outdoor Education

At Jewish Beginnings Preschool, we know that some of the most powerful learning happens outside the classroom. Our long-standing partnership with the Urban Ecology Center’s P.E.E.P. Program (Preschool Environmental Education Program) is one of the ways we bring the world of nature into our children’s early learning experiences.

Outdoor education isn’t just a fun break from routine — it’s a core part of how we support the development of the whole child: socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. As technology becomes more advanced and more accessible, prioritizing outdoor play is crucial. 

Did you know?

On average, kids spend seven to eight hours in front of a screen and only four to seven minutes outside. Source: Child Mind Institute

Children in America, and around the world, have become accustomed to staying indoors in the company of their tablets, laptops, phones and televisions. But it’s not just a problem for the younger generation. Studies also show that adult Americans spend 87% of their time indoors and 6% in a car. That means only 7% of our lives are spent outdoors as cited by the Footpath Foundation. At Jewish Beginnings, we are doing our part to make sure children develop an appreciation for and knowledge of nature early on in their lives. 

The Benefits of Outdoor Education for Preschoolers

Mother Nature provides the ultimate classroom setting. Through outdoor education for preschoolers, children develop critical thinking skills, strengthen their bodies, and form meaningful connections to the world around them. Time spent outdoors supports:

• Physical development: An invitation to run, climb, balance, and explore

• Sensory integration: The chance to see, smell, touch, and listen in dynamic settings

• Emotional regulation: Improving the ability to calm anxiety and build self-confidence

• Social skills: Opportunities to work together, take turns, and problem-solve with peers

  
  

When our students engage with the natural world through the Urban Ecology Center P.E.E.P. program, they are actively building respect for the environment alongside a love of learning.

How Nature-Based Learning Supports Early Literacy

Outdoor learning and early literacy development go hand-in-hand. When children explore nature, they naturally gain the background knowledge and vocabulary essential to becoming strong readers and communicators.

Through experiences like observing animals, collecting leaves, or discussing the weather, children may not even realize they are:

• Learning new words and concepts (e.g., habitat, migration, ecosystem)

• Practicing sequencing ("First we found a feather, then we saw a bird")

• Developing storytelling and descriptive language

• Making connections between books and real-world experiences

  
  

At Jewish Beginnings, we expand upon these outdoor experiences through literacy-rich activities like journaling, story-time under the trees, nature-inspired art, and reading books connected to what the children observe outside.

Nature and Emotional Development in Early Childhood

Emotional development is a critical part of the early years, and nature-based learning offers a powerful environment for children to build emotional strength. When preschoolers are outdoors, they benefit from the following:

• Taking healthy risks

• Facing and overcoming small challenges

• Collaborating with others in open-ended play

• Gaining independence and a sense of accomplishment

  
  

Research shows that outdoor education improves focus, reduces anxiety, and boosts overall emotional resilience. Fun fact! According to Outdoor Classroom Day, two-thirds of teachers stated that outdoor learning improved the overall behavior and happiness of their students. At Jewish Beginnings, we see this every day. Whether a child proudly points out a bird they spotted or finds a creative solution to crossing a puddle, the improved openness to learning in an open environment becomes clear.

A Shared Mission: Jewish Beginnings and the Urban Ecology Center

Our collaboration with the Urban Ecology Center in Milwaukee reflects a common goal: to connect young children with the natural world in a way that is developmentally appropriate, joyful, and enriching.

Through guided exploration and open-ended play in the P.E.E.P. program, our students experience:

• Seasonal changes

• Wildlife observation

• Environmental awareness

• Real-world skills and ingenuity

  
  

These outdoor learning experiences align perfectly with our play-based, child-centered curriculum. At Jewish Beginnings, we are proud to offer an early childhood education that goes beyond classroom walls. Outdoor education for preschoolers, especially through our partnership with the Urban Ecology Center, supports essential areas of growth: physical, emotional, social, and academic.

When children are given the space to wonder, observe, and explore the world around them, they become confident learners — ready to take on school and life with excitement and resilience.

Want to learn more about our outdoor learning philosophy? Schedule a visit or give us a call today.