Looking for a place to explore the natural environment with your family? Every Saturday, we’ll bring you the joy of climbing a tree, discovering bugs and sparking curiosity about the outdoors all from the convenience of home. Dive into a new topic each week with one of our environmental educators on Facebook Live. At the end, you’ll have an activity to continue your nature exploration at home.
Looking for a place to explore the natural environment with your family? Every Saturday, we’ll bring you the joy of climbing a tree, discovering bugs and sparking curiosity about the outdoors all from the convenience of home. Dive into a new topic each week with one of our environmental educators on Facebook Live. At the end, you’ll have an activity to continue your nature exploration at home.
Looking for a place to explore the natural environment with your family? Every Saturday, we’ll bring you the joy of climbing a tree, discovering bugs and sparking curiosity about the outdoors all from the convenience of home. Dive into a new topic each week with one of our environmental educators on Facebook Live. At the end, you’ll have an activity to continue your nature exploration at home.
Looking for a place to explore the natural environment with your family? Every Saturday, we’ll bring you the joy of climbing a tree, discovering bugs and sparking curiosity about the outdoors all from the convenience of home. Dive into a new topic each week with one of our environmental educators on Facebook Live. At the end, you’ll have an activity to continue your nature exploration at home.
Looking for a place to explore the natural environment with your family? Every Saturday, we’ll bring you the joy of climbing a tree, discovering bugs and sparking curiosity about the outdoors all from the convenience of home. Dive into a new topic each week with one of our environmental educators on Facebook Live. At the end, you’ll have an activity to continue your nature exploration at home.
Looking for a place to explore the natural environment with your family? Every Saturday, we’ll bring you the joy of climbing a tree, discovering bugs and sparking curiosity about the outdoors all from the convenience of home. Dive into a new topic each week with one of our environmental educators on Facebook Live. At the end, you’ll have an activity to continue your nature exploration at home.
Looking for a place to explore the natural environment with your family? Every Saturday, we’ll bring you the joy of climbing a tree, discovering bugs and sparking curiosity about the outdoors all from the convenience of home. Dive into a new topic each week with one of our environmental educators on Facebook Live. At the end, you’ll have an activity to continue your nature exploration at home.
By Alyssa Maley, Lead Preschool Teacher
Children Need Nature is a monthly blog column from our Nature Preschool program. Read more posts here.
I remember the moment during my childhood when I developed a bond with my favorite climbing tree on my front lawn—a Japanese maple. This tree was particularly challenging because it did not have lower branches. I had to jump up, grab a branch, and then swing my legs up moving my body like a monkey. Then I used my upper body strength to pull myself to begin the vertical climb. I have so many fond memories of tree climbing—I spoke to fairies, peeked into the second story of my house, and observed my world from a higher perspective. I had no adult assistance or supervision; it was just me and my tree. I learned how to listen to the branches—to assess the broken ones, and pick the safe, sturdy ones. I halted my climb when the branches moved quickly in the wind because I was able to assess the risk. I became a successful climber through practice, patience, and perseverance.
By Nicole Brin, Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education
Children Need Nature is a monthly blog column from our Nature Preschool program. Read more posts here.
The inaugural Kindergarten class here at Nature Preschool is deep into its third month of school. If you walk into the classroom you will notice the book corner, art studio, block area, science and math manipulatives, and many other learning centers typical to an Early Childhood classroom. 
More likely however, you will be drawn to the more homey aspects of the room–the number line made from acorns and sticks, the wall of photographed discoveries, or the shelf of beetles, millipedes, and other nature treasures. Just like the preschool classes, the (self-proclaimed) Mighty Oak kindergarteners operate on an emergent and inquiry-based curriculum and spend a large portion of their day outside. Kindergarten at the Schuylkill Center is designed to be an extension of the Nature Preschool experience, while integrating the skills and concepts being taught in kindergartens all over Pennsylvania.
So… how does that work? How do the Mighty Oaks enjoy these experiences while still being ready for first grade come June? A large part comes from the way in which the program is approaching the learning standards. Recognizing that the most meaningful learning happens organically and from natural interests, the teachers first take note of which developmental areas are being met as a result of their study of interest. Continue reading