Nature Preschools: Play-Based Learning in the Natural World

Interaction with the natural world is an important part of your child’s development. If you’re looking for an early childhood education program that immerses kids in the outdoors with evidence-based development benefits, consider a nature preschool. Also called “forest schools,” nature schools use play-based lesson plans in an outside classroom setting. 

Every nature preschool program has its own unique curriculum, but each one gives kids and teachers the opportunity to explore, build skills and learn together outdoors. Below, you’ll find a guide to nature preschools, including the benefits of nature-based teaching and how to find the right program for your family. 

Nature-Based Preschool Philosophies & Curriculum

The nature-based preschool curriculum is different at every preschool, but there are common themes you can expect in all forest school programs. For starters, nature-based programs usually cater to kids ages three to five, with some programs accepting younger and older children. A typical day at a nature preschool often includes a mix of free playtime followed by structured group activities plus breaks for snack time. Teachers might focus on a particular theme that informs the rest of the day’s activities, which can include storytime, yoga, arts and crafts, or music. 

Forest or nature schools use the learner-led method, in which instructors supervise and support children in their chosen types of play. This approach gives children the opportunity to formulate and answer their own questions. Teachers in nature preschools learn and discover right alongside their students, safely guiding your child as they gain an understanding of their environment. 

The Benefits of Nature Preschools

There are many advantages to a nature or forest preschool beyond giving kids a chance to play in the sunshine. Here are some of the ways in which nature preschools support overall growth and development. 

Improved Physical and Mental Health

Nature or forest preschools offer tons of activities to help with both fine and gross motor skill development. Free playtime lets kids run and jump, and they can improve hand-eye coordination through tactile exploring (touch) too. As students connect directly to nature, they may also develop greater resilience (Blackwell, 2015) and a more relaxed overall demeanor (Roe & Aspinall 2011). 

Increased Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills

Nature preschools encourage curiosity and independence as children examine the small wonders of their outdoor classroom. Since kids have the freedom to observe and make connections about their environment, they’re more likely to improve their problem-solving abilities. Kids in forest schools are also encouraged to use their imagination, which is the essence of finding solutions while thinking creatively. 

Stronger Social and Emotional Skills

Cooperation and communication are part and parcel of the nature preschool experience. Activities such as group hikes and storytelling lessons teach kids to listen and articulate themselves. In addition to learning to play well with others, nature preschools help students gain confidence through supervised and supported risk-taking. Forest school instructors ensure kids are safe while they learn to use tools and climb trees, helping them learn to trust themselves. 

Deeper Appreciation for Nature

When nature becomes a part of your child’s daily life, it’s easier for them to develop respect and gratitude for our environment. As children learn about seasonal cycles and see wildlife up close, they learn the value of protecting our natural resources. 

Choosing the Best Nature Preschool for Your Child

If you think your child would benefit from a nature preschool, here are some tips for finding the perfect program to help them thrive. 

• Consider your choices. Tour nature schools near you and observe a typical day. If you have the chance to chat with the preschool director, don’t be shy about asking everything you want to know about the school’s approach. For instance, you can ask about a teacher's background and their familiarity with local ecosystems. 
• Confirm registration prerequisites and contingency planning. You should review the requirements for enrollment at each nature preschool you’re considering. Most nature preschools, for example, will require your child to be potty-trained. It’s also important to understand what outdoor gear you need to provide for your child. Also, double-check what the plan is if the weather unexpectedly changes and your child isn’t dressed for the elements. 
• Get the full picture. When talking to prospective schools, ask exactly how far the classroom extends outside. If hikes are part of their daily routine, what’s the trail like? Do they ever explore nature away from the school itself, such as field trips to local beaches or parks? 
• Ask other parents for recommendations. It especially helps if you can talk with other families whose children are in a similar developmental stage. After all, the developmental milestones between ages three and five cover a lot of ground. You want a nature preschool with a curriculum tailored appropriately for students of every stage. 
• Determine which skills the school focuses on building. Each nature preschool structures interactions with nature differently. Some focus on building wilderness survival skills, while others might center lessons on conservation. You might also encounter holistic curriculums that teach it all. It’s just a matter of figuring out what best fits your child’s needs and learning style. 

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What to Expect During the School Year at a Nature Preschool

Lessons at a nature preschool take place almost entirely outside throughout the school year. Forest schools do provide indoor space in case of extreme weather, but for the most part, kids are outside learning, rain or shine. You’ll be asked to dress your child in climate-friendly clothing that suits outdoor exploration. 

The play-based structure of a nature school curriculum can take all kinds of shapes. Children might explore nature through activities such as hiking, or they might get firsthand experience with plant life cycles through activities such as gardening. Your child might also get the chance to interact with animals. They’ll learn to both respect and care for our critter neighbors while learning about where everything fits within your local ecosystem. Plus, they’ll get tons of opportunities to develop their fine motor skills through sensory exploration. 

Nature Preschools Can Open Up New Worlds for Students

Children who attend nature schools get an extraordinarily unique preschool experience. Your child will get the chance to develop their social, motor, and problem-solving skills in an exciting environment that nurtures their wonder and curiosity. As your child learns the joys of being immersed in nature, they’ll grow to be well-prepared for kindergarten and beyond. And best of all, they’ll make memories each day that last a lifetime. 

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Looking for a unique and engaging preschool experience for your child? Learn more about nature preschool and the benefits of a play-based approach to early childhood education. Visit the Wonderschool child care finder to find a forest school program near you.

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