Sacred Heart Preschool was recently named to a list of of the best outdoor-based and nature-inspired schools in the United States by popular blogger Kate Golubinski, founder of Forest Playgroup LLC and a former nature school director and teacher. See the list here.
At Sacred Heart Preschool, children receive an IB education (we are the only International Baccalaureate (IB) preschool in the state of Kentucky), Catholic spiritual development guided by the Ursuline Core Values, AND benefit from dedicated outdoor play! At SHP, students are regularly exposed to “traditional” subjects such as science and math... and their learning is happening organically through inquiry and direct experience. These experiences give children a chance to do what they excel in -- learn through play!
SHP believes wholeheartedly in the benefits of spending time in nature. We are blessed to have access to an abundance of nature on our playgrounds and across our beautiful 48-acre campus. There are many proven benefits to learning and playing in nature:
- Spending time in nature keeps children’s minds fresh. It exposes them to varying situations where they are forced to learn and adapt to best fit themselves into the prevailing conditions. For instance, playing in uneven heights, conditions, and surfaces helps children to hone their coordination and balancing skills.
- Nature provides the opportunity to identify and navigate risk, supporting the development of risk assessment.
- Sustained time spent with nature has both mental and physical benefits:
- It has been proven to improve mood and reduce depression and mental fatigue
- Children who are involved in regular outdoor play benefit from increased flexibility and gross motor skills, as well as improved vision
- Children who are exposed to the natural world experience a greater degree of self-control, peace, and discipline.
Learn more about SHP's belief in "the science of play."
We are thrilled to be among the nation's top preschools for nature-based, outdoor play!