Nov. 9, 2018 -- Oxford 2nd graders enjoyed a unique field trip experience recently when they traveled to the Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen for a day of outdoor playing, hiking and exploring. The idea of physical education teacher Coach Kim Hansen, who wanted to take her P.E. instruction outside and into nature, the students visited the innovative child-centered space known as Nature Play. 

Nature Play "features interactive sites designed to engage children in creative and imaginative play," which Oxford students took full advantage of. "They loved it," said 2nd grade teacher Sarah Adair. "It was amazing to watch their imaginations go wild once they had the freedom to really explore."

After practicing specific P.E. learning standards like balancing on logs, students had the chance to simply play, without rules or structure or specific expectations. Mrs. Adair was impressed with how creative the children became, creating families and stories as they made mud soup out of found materials in the Nature Play yurt.

Mrs. Adair and fellow 2nd grade teacher Amy Robinson included science lessons as well, as the students visited the wildlife center where injured or orphaned animals go for rehabilitation.

One little boy so enjoyed his time running and exploring in the woods that he said he never wanted to leave. But it was a good thing the two classes left when they did because it started pouring rain right as the bus pulled out of the parking lot. But they can carry the experience with them. Mrs. Adair would love to see a similar space created right on Oxford's property, letting children navigate the natural world armed with nothing more than their imaginations.