Learning Through Nature at Discovery Schoolhouse

By Jill Boeck, Western New York QUALITYstarsNY Quality Improvement Specialist, and John Maher and Liz Maher, directors at Discovery Schoolhouse

Discovery Schoolhouse, a science-based preschool located in Lake View, approaches early childhood education with a simple philosophy: learning is child’s play. Nestled in a wilderness setting, the school uses its natural surroundings as an extension of the classroom, encouraging children to explore, experiment, and discover through outdoor play.

One of the school’s defining features is its outdoor space. Rather than traditional fencing, Discovery Schoolhouse relies on a clearly defined perimeter and consistent expectations to help children understand boundaries while still experiencing freedom and independence in nature.

Outdoor play is central to the program year-round, including during winter. Children arrive each day dressed in snowsuits and winter gear. During the early weeks, teachers model how to prepare for outdoor play, and with time, children learn to dress themselves—building confidence, independence, and practical life skills.

Winter activities are intentionally designed to blend play and learning. Children pull each other on sleds, build snow castles and snowmen, and sled down a small hill on the property. Imaginative play thrives in the outdoor “snow kitchen,” while hands-on exploration takes place in the school’s “diamond mine,” a snow-covered hill where children dig for ice chunks.

Science concepts come alive outdoors as well. During a unit on solids, liquids, and gases, the school builds a fenced-in skating rink, giving children the opportunity to observe scientific principles in real time. Short nature hikes allow students to observe seasonal changes, search for animal tracks, and visit a designated “seasons tree” used for ongoing observation throughout the year.