Freedom to Roam: Outdoor Education Thrives at Melody’s Munchkins with BuildUp Oregon Support
At Melody’s Munchkins’ Corbett, Oregon location, children from 3 to 5 years old can roam three acres of natural landscape and forest. Learning is hands on and changes by season. Children spend their days learning and playing in nature, exploring a variety of thoughtfully designed activity and play areas throughout the campus. Rocks, twigs, and falling leaves become the building blocks for lessons in science, math, and art.
Avery Harding, Co-Director of Melody’s Munchkins, reflects on the benefits of outdoor education: “It takes away a lot of the typical things [you might encounter in a classroom]. Because they’re outside, students can run, yell, and climb. We don’t have to say ‘no’ as much to them.”
This freedom is possible thanks to a new fence installed with support from a Renovation and Repair grant through the Preschool for All Facilities Fund. Before its installation, teachers often worried about student safety. The fence now surrounds the full perimeter of their acreage, making the area secure and accessible. With this peace of mind, teachers can stay fully engaged with students.
“It’s just been life changing for us to be able to use the property to the fullest and to have open space,” Avery says. “Our kids are just happy every day. Because of the large space, everyone can experience freedom in a controlled, safe environment.”
The grant also helped enhance the program’s 12 child care slots, all of which are dedicated to Preschool for All. By joining PFA, Melody’s Munchkins expanded from primarily serving local farm families to reaching a wider range of children across Multnomah County, including those from diverse cultural backgrounds and those with different needs. In their first year as a PFA Facility, Avery has seen tremendous growth in all students, especially those on the autism spectrum.
“Students can run around to expend energy or hide in tree cubbies to feel safe and secure. Having this kind of freedom helps them build autonomy and regulate throughout the day. Because they are able to make choices and express themselves, they are calmer and more ready to be integrated with the group.”
Support doesn’t stop at students. Melody’s Munchkins also provides one-on-one support for parents, nurturing a close-knit community through family events like BBQs and celebrations.
Facilities Advisor Audrey Duffy sees Melody’s impact firsthand: “The program offers an educational experience that blends exploration and imagination, something rarely found in more traditional classroom settings.”
Melody’s Munchkins’ Corbett location is one of four. Their programs serve 60 children in total across Multnomah County. Next, the team hopes to bring more outdoor educational opportunities to their other facilities.
“It’s such a joy to be here,” Avery says. “Being outside makes the teachers feel well, and that makes the kids feel well too.”