The document describes an innovative outdoor nature classroom program for children ages 3-5. The program would run Monday-Friday from 3-6pm at a recreational center in Toronto, focusing on science, math, language and other subjects through hands-on learning in nature. It aims to allow children to reconnect with nature and enhance development. Competition includes government nature programs but no direct competitors. The program is expected to be well received by families and teachers as nature supports child development and current society does not provide much nature access for children.

1. OUTDOOR NATURE
CLASSROOM
Tarndeep Sodhi
Dasuny
Wijewardena
Fatma Topyurek
Nawang Yangchen
Ewelina Mrozowski

2. Innovative Service
Segment of Focus
 The importance of nature and early childhood
Target Customer:
 Families with children ages 3 – 5 years old
 Importance of nature from a young age

3. Innovative Service
 Innovative Service: “The Outdoor Nature
Classroom”
 Nature after school program
 Hours:
 Monday – Friday : 3:00pm – 6:00pm
 Location: Recreational Centre in Toronto
 Focus on different developmental areas
 Learning areas: science, math, language,
music, drama, art and sensory

4. Mission Statement
The nature afterschool program’s mission is to
work with families, to allow children to
reconnect with nature, and provide them with a
safe learning environment which will assist in
enhancing their childhood development.
(Andrews, 2009) (Getsloff, 2011)(McKay, 2011)

5. Jingle
 Having fun with all our friends, is only where
the adventure begin.
 In nature there's so much to do, this program
is where our dreams come true.
 Math, Science and Language too, there is just
so much we could do!
 'Cause having fun isn't hard when you got
“Programs name”!

6. COMPETITION AND
VALUE

7. Competition
 Ontario Government Brings the Outdoors to the Classroom
 A website based learning experience where students can
print lesson plans and explore parks. But not natural
classroom.
 CAMPSITE24 WEBSITE
 Interactive, educational website to help young people learn
about Ontario's provincial parks and natural resources
 Discovery Child Care Centre in Barrie
 1st certified nature explore classroom in Canada.
However, it's an outdoors program.
 Toronto’s Outdoor Education Schools, and The Blaydon
Outdoor Classroom
 These are outdoor programs.

8. International Competition
 The University of Puget Sound in Tacoma
Washington offers Nature in the classroom.
“Students will gain an appreciation for and familiarity
with the natural world as they practice observation
skills and study structure, function, adaptations and
interactions among species” (The University of
Puget Sound)
(Wimberger, 2014)(Wimberger, 2014)

9. Value
 Allows children to :
 Be more encouraged and more aware about the
environment.
 Learn about science: biology and weather
patterns.
 Be engaged in natural materials such as bones,
shells, leaves, seeds, and other earth products
 Learn about species and types of animals.
 Learn about planting.
(Stephen, 2014) (Sheryl, 2009)

10. ANTICIPATED COSTS

11. Cost per child
 $4.00 for three hours
 $240.00 seasonal
(WordPress, 2014)

12. Seasonal $240.00
 Required to be registered for the
season.
 Winter: December – February
 Spring: March – May
 Summer: June- August
 Fall: September – November
(NetLZ Consulting , 2011)

13. Fee Subsidy
Who is eligible?
 Residents of Toronto
 Income below the Stats Canada
Low-Income Cut off’s (LICO’s).
(Toronto, 2014)

14. What can subsidy be used
for?
 Reduction in cost for the program
Proof of income is required to be eligible for
fee subsidy
(Swaran, 2014)

15. MARKETING

16. Marketing Strategies
 Brochure to be sent out to the regional school
boards and daycare centres regarding the benefits
of this unique service
 Reach out to various ECE Leaders to receive
endorsements and present the benefits of the
indoor classroom.
 Reach out to various environmental organization to
sponsor this project. As well, the royal Ontario
Museum for support.

17. HOW WELL THE
INNOVATION WAS
RECEIVED

18. Service well received
 Surveys were handed out to teachers, families
and the community
 Results showed that majority loved the idea of
the service and would like to test it out
 Survey also proved that families are excited for
their children to be a lot more involved with
nature
 Teachers strongly believe that the service will
enhance children’s development strongly

19. Survey Questions
Rate a scale from 1 -10 (1 being the least and 10 being the
highest)
1. How would you rate the idea of the service?
2. How excited are you to implement the service in the school?
3. How likely are you to recommend our service?
4. How frequently would you use the service?
5. How best does the schedule work for you?
6. How well do you believe this service will work best for
children?
7. How well do you believe this service will be effective in
children’s development?
8. How often would you allow children to get involved with
nature?
9. How strongly do you believe this service will work?
10. How strongly do you support this service?

20. WHY INVEST IN OUR
INNOVATION?

21. Why should you invest in our
innovation? Why is it important?
Questions:
1. You are probably sitting in your chair and
asking yourself, why should I invest in this
program?
2. Well ask yourself this, how much time a day
do your child/children play with natural
materials?
3. Are you providing your child/children with
natural materials daily?

22. Information
 In today’s society, children and families often
have limited opportunities to connect with the
natural environment.
 Richard Louv, the inspiring
author behind the book, The
Last Child in the Woods calls
this “nature-deficit disorder”.
Through this book he shows
us how important nature is to
a child’s development.
(Deffenbaugh, 2008)

23. Information
 Many studies that have been completed over
the years have proven that, there is a
significant impact on a child’s social,
psychological, academic and physical health if
that child has daily contact with nature (North
Carolina Division of Child Development and
Early Education, 2012).

24. Benefits of the Program:
 Some examples of the positive impact of nature
are;
 it supports multiple developmental domains,
 supports creativity and problem solving,
 enhances cognitive abilities,
 improves academic performance,
 reduces attention deficit disorder,
 improves social relations and reduces stress
(North Carolina Division of Child Development
and Early Education, 2012).

25. References
Andrews, T. (2009). Gomez Elementary Enjoying Outdoor Classroom. OPS News. Retrieved from
https://www.ops.org/district/CENTRALOFFICES/DistrictCommunications/OPSNews/tabid/1594/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/67/Gomez-Elementary-Enjoying-Outdoor-
Classroom.aspx
Deffenbaugh, D. (2008). Last Child in the Woods. Prairie Fire. Retrieved from http://www.prairiefirenewspaper.com/2008/02/book-review-last-child-in-the-woods
Getsloff, A. (2011). Boys & Girls Learn Differently. Essence Extractor. Retrieved from http://boysgirlslearndifferently.blogspot.ca/2011_02_01_archive.html
McKay, T. (2011). Kid-friendly gardening projects. Parenting RSS. Retrieved from http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/827275/kid-friendly-gardening-projects
NetLZ Consulting. (2011). Top Seo Blog. Retrieved from http://www.netlz.com/seo-blog/2013/01/01/seo-for-seasonal-businesses/
Sheryl, M. (2009). A Collection of Sensory Table Ideas. Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds. Retrieved from http://www.teaching2and3yearolds.com/2013/01/a-collection-of-sensory-table-ideas.html
Stephen, C. (2014). Outdoor classrooms educate students naturally. www.canada.com. Retrieved from
http://www.canada.com/life/Outdoor+classrooms+educate+students+naturally/1893719/story.html
Swaran, S. (2014). Marketing. Income Proof. Retrieved from http://freetime1smsjob.blogspot.ca/p/income-proof.html
Toronto Pearson International Airport City Orientation and Maps. (2014). Map of Toronto Pearson Airport . Retrieved from http://toronto-yyz.airports-guides.com/yyz_airport_maps.html
Wimberger, P. (2014). Nature in the Classroom. University of Puget Sound. Retrieved from http://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/academic-resources/slater-museum/education-outreach/nature-
in-the-classroom/
WordPress. (2014). Piggy Bank. Living with English. Retrieved from http://www.slowgetsthere.com/blog/stories-and-anecdotes/

26. OUTDOOR NATURE
CLASSROOM
(Andrews, 2009)
(Getsloff, 2011)
(Sheryl, 2009)
(NetLZ Consulting , 2011)