Nature Immersion for Preschoolers
The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil. - Rachel Carson
Much can be learned by allowing children to lead and have unstructured time in the woods. Although there are lessons, stories, music and games there will also be time provided for children to engage in play. Risk is a natural part of play as children experiment and test themselves. Children learn through their mistakes, frustrations, and failures and research shows there are many long-term benefits to risky play including developing resilience, knowledge, and abilities/skills as they make repeated attempts to master a new task. The hope of the afternoon or morning is that children would depart each day having experienced the joy of playing in nature, feel a connection to the land, and a respect and awe of the outside world.
Programs run 2-3 hours long and are limited to ten children with two educators.
Currently, Nature Days is operating “Into the Woods” at St. Paul’s in Riverside. Please contact Laurel if you are interested in learning more about bringing Nature Days to your preschool.