For many families searching for a nursery in Dubai, outdoor space is a welcome feature. But in a true nature-connected early-years environment, the outdoors is more than a place to run around between lessons. It can become part of how children move, observe, solve problems, care for living things and understand the world around them.
At Beginnings Forest Montessori in Muhaisnah First, our approach brings together Montessori principles with meaningful outdoor experiences. Children are supported through prepared indoor environments, purposeful activity, movement, nature and real-life experiences across the early years.
What is Forest Montessori?
Forest Montessori combines the structure and intentionality of a Montessori environment with the freedom, observation and discovery that come from being outdoors. The aim is not to replace Montessori materials with outdoor play, and it is not to turn nature into a separate subject. Instead, children have opportunities to experience learning in different contexts.
Indoors, a child may practise concentration, sequencing, coordination or practical life. Outdoors, the same child may develop those abilities through carrying, collecting, gardening, pouring, observing, moving across uneven ground or caring for living things.
You can explore the wider philosophy on our Forest Montessori Dubai page and see the spaces on Our Environment.
Why does outdoor learning matter in early childhood?
Young children learn through their whole bodies. They need opportunities to move, repeat, experiment and make sense of cause and effect. Outdoor environments naturally create changing conditions that invite observation and decision-making.
For example, children may notice how water moves, how leaves change, how soil feels, how shadows appear, how animals behave, or how their own bodies respond when balancing, climbing or carrying. These experiences can support language, coordination, curiosity, confidence and problem-solving.
Is outdoor learning the same as free play?
Not necessarily. Free play has value, but outdoor learning can also be intentional and purposeful. Educators observe what children are interested in and create opportunities that encourage movement, responsibility, exploration and care.
The environment may include sand, water, gardening, movement spaces, natural materials, animals and practical experiences. The purpose is not to keep children constantly busy, but to give them meaningful choices within a safe and prepared setting.
How does nature support Montessori principles?
Montessori education places strong value on independence, order, concentration, purposeful movement and respect for the environment. Nature can support all of these.
- Independence: children can take responsibility for simple tasks and real-life routines.
- Concentration: observing, collecting, sorting, pouring or caring for something can hold attention deeply.
- Movement: outdoor spaces provide opportunities for whole-body coordination and confidence.
- Care: children can learn that plants, animals and shared spaces require respect and responsibility.
- Observation: natural environments constantly change, giving children reasons to notice, compare and ask questions.
What about babies and toddlers?
Nature-based learning does not need to begin only when children are older. Babies and toddlers can benefit from fresh air, natural light, movement, safe sensory experiences and time observing the world around them.
The experience should always be age-appropriate. Our Tiny Toes and Toddlers programmes are prepared around the developmental needs of very young children rather than expecting them to participate in an older child’s routine.
How does outdoor learning support school readiness?
School readiness is broader than early reading and mathematics. Children also need concentration, communication, confidence, self-regulation, independence, coordination and the ability to manage themselves within a group.
Outdoor experiences can support these abilities naturally. A child who waits for a turn, carries equipment carefully, follows a sequence, solves a physical problem, communicates an idea or takes responsibility for a task is building skills that matter in school and in life.
For more on this, read our guide: Does Montessori Prepare Children for School?
How much time should children spend outdoors?
There is no single number that suits every day, age group or weather condition. In Dubai, outdoor time must always be balanced with temperature, shade, hydration and safety. What matters is that the outdoor environment is genuinely part of the programme when conditions allow, rather than an occasional extra.
At Beginnings, outdoor learning forms part of the wider Forest Montessori experience and is adapted according to age, weather and safety.
What should parents look for in a nursery with outdoor learning?
When visiting a nursery, look beyond the size of the playground. Ask how the outdoor environment is actually used. Is it part of the daily rhythm? Do children have access to natural materials? Are there opportunities for responsibility, observation and practical experiences? Is outdoor time connected to the nursery’s wider educational philosophy?
A strong outdoor environment should feel purposeful, safe and appropriate for the children using it.
How Beginnings brings Forest Montessori together
Beginnings combines Montessori learning with outdoor movement, nature, practical life, Arabic and Islamic learning, and a boutique early-years environment for children from 2 months to 6 years.
Families can explore Our Programmes, read our Frequently Asked Questions, or book a private school tour to experience the environment in person.
Beginnings Forest Montessori is located at 378 Tunis Street, Muhaisnah First, Dubai.