An urban oasis in the heart of the city? That’s what Chicago City Day School, a junior kindergarten through eighth grade private school, offers its students. In fact, the school’s visually appealing outdoor spaces are integral to the learning experience. From koi ponds to pollinator gardens, the school’s campus provides a variety of environments that support hands-on exploration.
Meg Clarahan, a junior kindergarten educator, says that these outdoor areas extend lessons beyond the traditional classroom. “Almost anything we try to develop — whether it’s fine motor skills, social-emotional skills or academic growth — can be developed outdoors.”
Connecting indoor lessons with outdoor experiences
Clarahan’s class often uses the changing seasons to link indoor learning with outdoor discovery. “What we learn inside, we teach outside,” she says.
The students might explore bird migration patterns in the fall, then discuss where those birds go during the winter months. The koi pond and pollinator garden are also used to tie various subjects together, from literacy and science to the arts.
“One of my favorite moments was last winter when I was standing outside at pickup with a student — we had been studying birds in the fall. That led to a discussion about where the birds went,” she recalls. “Outside at the koi pond, we feed the birds. Every time a bird goes there, we get a notification on our iPad or phone, allowing the students to observe and collect data.”
Clarahan says that these interactive experiences provide opportunities for students to gather information, ask questions, and engage in science and math activities.
“Data collection of bird species, for example, ties directly into our math and science curriculum,” she says.
Incorporating outdoor play year-round
At City Day, even Chicago’s infamous fickle weather doesn’t prevent students from learning outside. Snow, rain or shine, the school encourages outdoor play and exploration, with the help of new rain suits in school colors.
“We like to say that there’s no bad weather, only bad clothes,” says Clarahan. “Even without perfect weather, we can still go outside.”
The rain suits allow students to explore nature in all conditions, which Clarahan finds particularly fun for the children.
“It’s pretty motivating for the kids to put on rain suits and stomp in mud puddles,” she says. This approach to outdoor learning even in the rain not only builds motor skills — like zipping up suits and putting on boots — but also helps foster resilience in the children.
Clarahan believes in the importance of safe risk-taking, noting that kids need to develop decision-making skills early on. “A lot of people avoid risk with little kids, but we teach safe risk-taking. Being outside and taking some risks during our outdoor explorations gives them confidence.”
Unique features of outdoor learning at City Day
One of the unique features of City Day’s outdoor environment is the Treasure Tree. Teachers, including Clarahan, use it to create a sense of adventure during outdoor learning activities.
“We hide treasures in the Treasure Tree, and the kids get to seek them out. It’s a playful and interactive way to engage them in exploration.”
Last year, students took their Treasure Tree activities to the next level by freezing their treasures in ice and hanging them back on the tree as part of an integrated science and art lesson.
“We love finding creative ways to integrate science and art. Freezing the treasures and hanging them back on the tree allowed the kids to see how ice melts and transforms. It was a magical way to explore temperature and change while turning the tree into a living art piece,” says Clarahan.
The school’s outdoor spaces also include areas for early childhood students to play, such as lowered monkey bars, tree house structures and little stumps that encourage imaginative play. “It’s magical back there,” Clarahan says, “with different spots for students to explore and play.”
The outdoor spaces are not just for the junior kindergarten class. The entire school takes advantage of the school’s green areas for a variety of lessons.
“It isn’t just the students who benefit from our unique campus,” says Clarahan. “The faculty enjoy the outdoor spaces nearly every day, whether it’s having lunch outdoors or reading by the koi pond on a break.”
Outdoor learning impacts social and emotional development
Clarahan emphasizes that integrating movement and exploration into the daily routine is a priority at Chicago City Day School.
“Movement is valued here. Bodies and brains develop together, and outdoor spaces allow us to support that development in a meaningful way.”
Spending time outside gives children the chance to engage with nature and develop an appreciation for the environment, even in an urban setting.
“When you have urban kids, it’s important for them not to be afraid of bugs and nature,” she explains. “If they are curious about nature, they will protect it.”
Urban students need outdoor spaces
For a city-based school, having access to green spaces like these is rare, but Chicago City Day School makes it a priority.
“What’s interesting about our campus is that you don’t really expect to see the nature that we see here,” says Clarahan. “Even though we live in an urban environment, we still get to observe ducks, baby bunnies and other animals.”
With a wide variety of outdoor learning experiences, students at Chicago City Day School are encouraged to develop an appreciation for nature, build social skills and engage in hands-on exploration — all essential parts of their growth and development.
“There’s something magical about watching kids connect with nature,” Clarahan says. “They become curious, engaged and excited to learn. It’s a privilege to help nurture that sense of wonder every day.”
For more information about Chicago City Day School, visit the Chicago City Day School website.
