Ruth Staples Child Development Laboratory

Here we go the update you all have been waiting for….the box is a… library. Our outdoor library was built today by volunteers from NU Foundations! So thankful for their hard work and support.

We will keep you posted on ways we use the space to increase literacy experiences in the outdoor classroom!

We are grateful for the generous support from the Dein Fund donors. The contributions help transform ideas into opportunities and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.

BOX UPDATE! 📦
It’s not a box… it’s an art table.
It’s not a box…it’s a map.
It’s not a box… ???
We are building something exciting! 📚

If you are out and about this weekend go watch Eric as a Big 10 Outdoor Track Official at the High Jump!!! AND watch RSCDL Alumni Berlyn Schutz out there breaking records!

Nature-designed environments support the teacher as a facilitator of inquiry who intentionally curates space, time, and materials to deepen aesthetic exploration. Rather than directing outcomes, the teacher amplifies creativity by posing open-ended provocations—such as shifting light, or natural collections—that encourage children to experiment with form, pattern, texture, and symbolic representation in meaningful and evolving ways.

Reflection and inspirations from “Reimagining the Role of the Teacher in Nature-based Learning” by Rachael Larimore and Claire Warden

Provocation: watercolor and natural flowers from the garden at RSCDL

Just arrived!!! Any guesses!?!? 📚 🌳

🎓 Cheers to all of our graduating Student Teachers! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see the impact you will make
on children and families!

Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey!

Keep in touch- special notes like these help us remember our WHY!

CELEBRATING Child Care Provider Day!

❤️ IF YOU are alumni of RSCDL- teacher or child ❤️

For Teacher Appreciation Week, we'd love for current/former students/parents to REPLY to this post and tell us how your child/your teaching is doing/going and what your child is doing (school, sports, family, etc..)! Or feel free to share a funny story or memory from our time together!

We celebrate nature everyday! Thankful for this proclamation and acknowledgment to bring awareness to the importance of getting children outside!