Chickens & Lessons in Nature
At Parkside, outdoor learning is a vital and joyful part of each child’s day. Our thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces extend the classroom experience into nature, where children can explore, discover, and connect with the world around them in meaningful ways.
A highlight of our outdoor program is the Parkside garden. Children help tend to the plants by watering, weeding, and harvesting fruits and vegetables as they grow. These hands-on experiences teach responsibility, patience, and an appreciation for the natural cycle of life. They take pride in the process—from planting tiny seeds to picking ripe tomatoes or strawberries—and they learn where food really comes from.
Our students are also the proud caretakers of our school chickens. With gentle guidance, children help feed and observe the chickens, collect eggs, and learn about animal care and behavior. These moments offer countless opportunities for learning—about biology, compassion, and the rhythms of living things.
The benefits of outdoor learning are deep and lasting. Children gain confidence, develop fine and gross motor skills, and strengthen their sense of independence and cooperation. They also build an early connection to sustainability and the environment.
We’re especially grateful to our community partner, Cerritos Farm in South Riding, for their generous support in making our chicken program possible. Their partnership helps bring our outdoor learning environment to life.
