Our Outdoor Learning Model
Our Approach to Learning
At Anothen Outdoor Academy in Mansfield, Texas, nature-based exploration and Christ-centered learning come together to nurture the whole child. We use an emergent approach to education, drawing inspiration from Reggio Emilia and Forest School philosophies. In our elementary program, Alveary, a Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum, connects meaningful academics with literature, nature study, and hands-on discovery. Through classroom lessons and outdoor experiences, we encourage children to ask questions, make connections, and develop a lasting love of learning. Our invitation is simple: experience the natural world, discover foundational concepts, and grow in mind, body, and spirit. For our preschool students, we also strive to meet the Texas Pre-K Guidelines for school readiness.
classroom experiences
-
![]()
Arts & Crafts
Children explore creativity through weekly, teacher-led projects using materials such as paint, paper, and glue. As they practice cutting, painting, and creating, they become familiar with different tools and ways to express ideas. Each activity invites children to experiment, make discoveries, and enjoy creating something.
-
![]()
Chapel
Chapel invites children to learn about Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him through lessons led by our administrative team. Teachers reinforce the monthly Bible verse and encourage children throughout their faith journey, nurturing their spiritual growth alongside their learning, friendships, and everyday experiences.
-
![]()
Natural Sciences
Our classroom gardens and campus provide opportunities to discover how living things grow. Children plant flowers and vegetables, help care for our chickens, and explore animal life cycles. These experiences invite students to observe closely, ask questions, and develop a growing appreciation for God’s creation.
-
![]()
Move-N-Groove
Move-N-Groove gives children opportunities to move, play, and enjoy being active. Guided movement invites students to practice following directions, participating together, and trying something new. Our goal is to make movement a joyful part of learning while encouraging confidence, cooperation, and enjoyment of physical activity.
-
![]()
Spanish and Music
Weekly Spanish and music experiences introduce children to another language through literature and songs. Our Spanish teacher brings learning into the classroom, inviting students to listen, participate, and explore new words. These experiences offer an engaging introduction to language through the familiar enjoyment of music.
-
![]()
Outdoor Learning
Learning extends beyond classroom walls through outdoor lessons, open-ended play, and daily nature walks. Children spend time exploring together, with opportunities to learn, play, and even share meals outside. Our natural surroundings invite curiosity and help students connect classroom discoveries with the world around them.
-
![]()
Cooking
Monthly cooking experiences bring learning to life as children follow recipes, measure ingredients, and practice mixing, pouring, and stirring. Working together introduces kitchen safety and connects math and science with everyday tasks. Exploring ingredients and flavors also creates opportunities for teamwork, creativity, and sensory discovery.
-
![]()
Sewing
Sewing invites children to explore a practical skill through creative, age-appropriate experiences. With guidance, students practice working carefully, following steps, and noticing details. Our goal is to encourage patience, perseverance, and the satisfaction of making something while nurturing an appreciation for working with their hands.
5 benefits of being outdoors
-
We provide times for unstructured and structured play. The National Association for Education of Young Children recommends unstructured physical play as a developmentally appropriate way of reducing stress in children's lives.
Research also shows the more senses used in the learning process, the more information we retain. The brain is far more active during physical activity than while one is seated. That is why we allow classroom education to happen inside and outside the classroom!
-
Teachers report better overall student behavior and satisfaction when kids have the open space to be outside. At a young age, many emotions appear in the physical form and so providing a space to run and move, helps mitigate some of those frustrations.
-
The adult personality is built on child's play. Among the social skills learned are the ability to share, cooperate, negotiate, compromise, make and revise rules and to take the perspective of others. Play provides opportunities for children to meet and solve problems. Outdoor play helps children express their thoughts and feelings and to deal with stress.
-
Through play, children acquire literacy, mathematical and creative skills. Make-believe in particular, has been linked to self-regulation skills, which in turn have been linked to greater academic success than IQ has. When given the space outside, children's play has the space to explode with possibilities.
-
Being outdoors helps us grow closer with our Creator. We love to let students experience the WOW in the world.
