At Nature Preschool, learning happens organically and in the context of things children can observe and interact with throughout the year. We nurture growth and exploration in all developmental domains, always using nature as a co-teacher. Emergent, child-led curriculum means that the topics we focus on are dictated by seasonal occurrences and children’s interests. Our teaching teams put their heads together at the beginning of each month to talk about what is happening outside; seeds falling and leaves changing colors in Fall, shadows, dormancy, and preparing for hibernation in Winter, and bugs and flowers in Spring, to name a few! We brainstorm all the activities we could do with our classes each month, then we essentially “pitch” our ideas to the children. If they’re interested, we spend as much time studying the topic as they’d like!

Our teaching teams are also experts at observing the learning that emerges as children are given time, space, and permission to play outside. At the end of each school day, they consult with one another to incorporate children’s interests into the next day’s activities. For example, if a group of children starts their own imaginative play of digging up treasure and gems, their teachers might introduce geology concepts the next day. From there, so much learning can happen! They can practice mathematics by collecting and adding stones, fine and gross motor skills by digging and categorizing them, art skills by creating mandalas, or literacy and language by making story stones or learning scientific names of rocks.

Learning is documented daily and shared with families in weekly emails that come with informative newsletters, and a link to a private photo album. Our classes keep natural journals, and floor books that let children see and reflect on the topics they’ve covered. We display the Seasonal Focus in our classrooms for families to see, and we invite families to be “mystery guests” so they can share their areas of expertise at different times during the year. In November and May, families receive a packet of their child’s work and a progress note that includes photo documentation panels which explain the most prominent themes and topics that the child is interested in.

As long as outdoor conditions are safe to do so, yes! One of the defining features of Nature Preschool is that we spend at least 50% of our six-hour school day playing and learning outside. On Fridays, when the school day is just 3.5 hours, our classes spend their entire day outside! On a typical day, children will explore the campus at Woodend from about 10:00 a.m. onward. This could include picnic lunches and rest time in hammocks! We send out a School Supplies and Gear List during the Summer that gives families suggestions for what gear to provide at different temperature ranges, including tried and true brands we love, and we host a few Gear Swaps throughout the year. (Oaki is one brand of children’s outerwear that we love. Use code NatureForward to receive 15% off your purchase, and 5% will go back to Nature Preschool.) 

Luckily for us, we can use our beautiful indoor classrooms whenever the weather poses a hazard. Some examples of inclement weather include: high winds, hail, thunder, lightning, and dangerous air quality. In hot temperatures, we seek shade, take water breaks, and take cooling breaks indoors. In cold temperatures, we build campfires, provide a hot tea station, pass out hand warmers, and take indoor warming breaks. Our program follows Montgomery County Public School closings, so any time MCPS is closed for snow or ice, Nature Preschool also closes.