For Children 3 by May 1st
Creative play, puppet storytelling, circle time, and practical and artistic activities balance free, creative expression of your child within this sweet, gentle, first group experience, for age 3 by May 1, 3-5 days per week.
We work with natural materials for a true education of the senses, in a warm home-like setting.
Play is the work of the young child. Through play, children explore the world, develop essential skills, and learn about themselves and others. When this play occurs in natural settings, the benefits multiply, fostering physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development.
It is through play that they engage their senses, ignite their curiosity, and build their understanding of the world. During play, children experiment with roles and scenarios, learning to navigate social interactions and develop empathy. They learn to take turns, negotiate, and resolve conflicts, which are crucial skills for their social development. Cognitive development is equally enriched as children engage in activities that require planning, critical thinking, and creativity.
When play takes place in nature, its benefits are even more profound. Natural settings offer a dynamic, ever-changing environment that stimulates children’s senses and inspires their imagination. The sound of leaves rustling, the sight of a butterfly flitting by, the feel of mud between fingers—these experiences are rich and varied, unlike any indoor environment.
Nature play encourages children to be active and adventurous. Climbing trees, walking on uneven surfaces, and balancing on logs enhance their physical strength, coordination, and balance. These activities also promote risk-taking and problem-solving, helping children develop resilience and confidence.
Being in nature has a calming effect on children. The natural environment reduces stress and anxiety, fostering emotional well-being. It provides a sense of freedom and wonder that cannot be replicated indoors. Children who spend time in nature are often happier, more focused, and better able to handle life’s challenges.
They also develop a deep appreciation for the environment. They learn to respect and care for the natural world, understanding their role in preserving it. This early connection can foster a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Each day has a dependable structure with outdoor and creative play, baking or cooking, gardening, painting, drawing and beeswax modeling, nature activities, circle time, a wholesome snack, storytelling, and puppetry.
Rhythms of the day, week, and seasons help your child gain a secure relationship with the world.
This helps children during transitions and with what is perhaps their first consistent separation from home.
Each day will become known to the children, not by the day of the week, which carries little meaning to them, but by the activities that are done that day, such as “bread day” or “painting day”.
Patience and attentive support are provided during transitions such as hand washing, taking shoes off or putting them on, and preparing for snack time.
This supports each individual child’s development and fosters eventual independence.
Young children in our Nursery program are typically 3 to 4 years old.
A typical day in the Meadowlark Nursery includes circle time, free play, snack preparation, a shared meal, free play, clean up, and a puppet story or story time.