Why Oregon’s Outdoor Preschools are a Good Example for Trinidad and Tobago
Lime with Raeann is a blog series dedicated to sharing a Trini perspective on sustainability and environmental justice topics. Raeann Garvis was the first Research Fellow at the NWEJC. In her blog series, Lime with Raeann, she shares her experiences exploring Oregon and researching environmental justice topics through a Trini perspective.A passionate youth advocate, Raeann is part of the Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy and attended the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.
Why lime? Transformative sustainability and environmental justice is going to take all of us working together over multiple generations. Much of the work is extremely urgent and challenging, yet a true paradigm shift requires us to share knowledge, experience, and ideas across cultures and between friends over a lime.
By Raeann Gervais
In Oregon, USA, outdoor preschools are becoming popular. These schools focus on a nature-based approach and let kids play freely outdoors while teaching them through the environment around them. Trinidad and Tobago can learn a lot from this approach and it could make a big difference in preschool education. In this blog post, I am going to examine the Oregon outdoor preschool experience and talk about why bringing a similar approach to Trinidad and Tobago can be a great implementation.
Outdoor Preschools in Oregon
Oregon’s outdoor preschools are unique in their approach to early childhood education. Instead of traditional classrooms, these schools utilize natural settings such as forests, gardens, and parks as the primary learning environment. This allows children to have unstructured play and explore their curiosity in the wonders of nature. Learning through play fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and a deeper connection to the environment. The curriculum is designed to promote holistic development, including not just academic subjects but also physical, social, and emotional skills. This approach also promotes physical health, reduces stress, and enhances mental well-being. Overall, outdoor preschools in Oregon provide a unique educational experience that encourages a lifelong appreciation for nature and a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency in young children.
Why Outdoor Preschools in Trinidad and Tobago?
Adopting the outdoor preschool model in Trinidad and Tobago could be a promising idea for several reasons:
Photo by Rashid Sadykov on Unsplash
Diverse landscapes engage experiential learning. The rich natural environment in the country, which includes rainforests, beaches, and diverse ecosystems, provides an excellent opportunity for outdoor preschools to offer hands-on experiences in nature.
Tropical climate for year-round learning. The tropical climate of Trinidad and Tobago allows for year-round outdoor activities, making it an ideal location for outdoor preschools. This enables children to engage with nature even during the rainy season, fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
Alignment with cultural and recreational values. Incorporating outdoor activities into early education aligns with the cultural tradition of Trinidad and Tobago, which values hiking, bird-watching, and nature exploration.
Increase childcare capacity. By addressing the challenges faced by traditional indoor preschools, such as overcrowding and limited resources, outdoor preschools can provide a cost-effective alternative that alleviates the strain on indoor facilities.
Generation of climate leaders. In a region susceptible to climate change and environmental challenges, instilling a sense of environmental stewardship from a young age is crucial. Outdoor preschools can play a vital role in helping children develop a deep love and respect for their natural surroundings.
The outdoor preschool experience in Oregon serves as an inspiring model for early childhood education that prioritizes nature, play, and holistic development. Trinidad and Tobago’s natural beauty, cultural relevance, and potential educational benefits make it suitable for adopting outdoor preschools. By embracing this innovative approach, Trinidad and Tobago could nurture a generation of children who are not only academically proficient but also deeply connected to their environment and equipped to address the challenges of the future with a strong sense of environmental responsibility.