Namao School's Open Air Kindergarten (OAK) program supplements our regular Kindergarten program. It runs on opposite days to allow students to attend school five days a week for full days.
Our OAK program is unique because it also incorporates daily outdoor learning experiences. Students engage in hands-on, experiential activities that allow them to explore and learn about the natural world. Classroom instruction is enhanced by daily visits to natural areas, providing students with the opportunity to apply their learning in real-world settings. This program offers a well-rounded education that allows students to develop a love of learning, a connection to the natural world, and the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Children exposed to the outdoors are more likely to be happier and have more energy, increased confidence, autonomy, and self-awareness. Daily outdoor learning provides:
- Overall wellness: mental and emotional health
- Social health and teamwork
- Physical health and movement skills
- Resilience and risk management skills
- Improved focus at school
