Nature-Based Learning
The WHPS Approach
In a city like Los Angeles, where green spaces are becoming increasingly rare, WHPS offers something extraordinary: a campus where nature isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a teacher. Our students are fortunate to learn and play in dynamic outdoor spaces like Our Forest, Veggie Garden, Outdoor Classroom, and under the shade of our 500-year-old oak tree. These park-like settings provide children with a sanctuary to explore, grow, and thrive, connecting them to the wonders of the natural world in ways that foster curiosity, creativity, and essential skills for success in elementary school and beyond.
Time spent outdoors is more than just a break from the classroom—it’s an intentional opportunity for children to learn through play, experimentation, and movement. Activities like climbing, running, and building not only develop gross motor skills, balance, and coordination but also encourage risk-taking and problem-solving. These foundational experiences prepare children to transition confidently into structured learning environments while building focus, resilience, and a love of learning.
The WHPS Approach to Nature-Based Learning
At WHPS, we integrate nature into the daily lives of our students through hands-on, inquiry-driven experiences that inspire exploration and growth. Key elements of our nature-based learning program include:
Outdoor Classrooms: Learning happens in Our Forest, Mini Ranch, Veggie Garden, Outdoor Classroom, and through Nature Walks, where every space becomes a place to grow and discover.
Hands-On Exploration: Activities like gardening, observing ecosystems, and even playing in real sand encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
Gross Motor Development: Running, climbing, and balancing in natural environments strengthen motor skills, coordination, and physical confidence.
Cross-Curricular Learning: Nature provides a rich context for teaching science, math, art, and literacy in engaging and meaningful ways.
Social-Emotional Growth: Collaborative outdoor activities teach teamwork, problem-solving, and respect for others and the environment.
How Nature-Based Learning Benefits Children
Nature-based learning offers far-reaching benefits that support children’s cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development:
Improves Focus and Reduces ADHD Symptoms: Time spent in nature enhances attention, self-regulation, and executive functioning, helping children succeed in structured classroom settings.
Supports Healthy Vision: Outdoor play in natural light helps protect against myopia (nearsightedness) by allowing children’s eyes to focus on distant objects, reducing strain and promoting long-term eye health.
Builds Problem-Solving Skills: Inquiry-driven activities nurture creativity and critical thinking, essential skills for lifelong learning.
Enhances Emotional Well-Being: Time in nature reduces stress, fosters mindfulness, and helps children build resilience.
Encourages Teamwork: Collaborative outdoor activities promote communication, cooperation, and respect for peers.
Inspires Environmental Stewardship: Early exposure to the natural world fosters a sense of responsibility for the planet.
Preparing for What Comes Next
Through nature-based learning, WHPS gives children an increasingly rare opportunity to thrive in an environment that nurtures their curiosity, creativity, and physical development. By fostering focus, resilience, and a love of learning, our approach ensures students are well-prepared for the academic and social demands of elementary school and beyond. Whether they’re discovering the intricacies of an ecosystem or problem-solving with peers in the garden, WHPS students are building skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
