Nature-Based Preschool Curriculum Overview
1. Daily Outdoor Exploration
- Nature walks, hikes, and unstructured exploration
- Observation of weather, wildlife, and seasonal changes
- Sensory play with natural materials (mud, sand, leaves, water)
- Opportunities to take healthy risks and build resilience
2. Integrated Learning Through Nature
Cognitive & Academic Readiness
- Early literacy and math through real-world experiences (e.g., counting acorns, making nature patterns)
- Storytime outdoors, nature journaling, and puppet shows
- Observation and inquiry-based learning (e.g., “Why do birds migrate?”)
Science & Discovery
- Life cycles, habitats, plants, animals, weather, and seasons
- Hands-on experiments (e.g., growing seeds, building bug habitats)
- Encouraging questions and critical thinking
3. Creative Expression
- Nature-based art using leaves, sticks, clay, etc.
- Music and movement inspired by animals, trees, and seasons
- Dramatic play in outdoor spaces: forest kitchens, fairy gardens, etc.
4. Social-Emotional Learning
- Daily circle time with songs, feelings check-ins, and sharing
- Emphasis on kindness, empathy, and problem-solving
- Building community and cooperation through group projects and play.
5. Physical Development
- Climbing logs, balancing on rocks, jumping over puddles
- Fine motor development through activities like digging, threading leaves, and crafting
- Whole-body wellness through fresh air, sunlight, and movement.
6. Environmental Stewardship
- Composting, recycling, and gardening
- Taking care of classroom animals or plants
- Learning about sustainability and how to care for the Earth