Nature’s Children Daily Rhythm
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
8:00 – 8:30 AM | Arrival & Free Play
-
Children arrive and settle in
-
Light, self-directed play indoors or outdoors
8:30 – 9:00 AM | Breakfast
-
Healthy morning meal
-
Social time at the table
9:00 – 9:30 AM | Circle Time
-
Welcome songs, calendar, weather, and group discussion
-
Introduction to daily theme or learning topic
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Outdoor Play / Field Trips / Nature Exploration/Snack
-
Most days: outdoor play and nature exploration on-site
-
A few times per week: field trips (2½–3 hours) to local parks, farms, or educational sites
-
Gross motor activities and hands-on experiences
12:00-12:15 | Return home
12:15 – 12:45 PM | Lunch
-
Nutritious lunch provided
-
Social and conversational time
12:45 – 2:00 PM | Nap / Rest Time
-
Cots provided; quiet music or storytime for those not sleeping
2:00 – 2:30 PM | Snack
-
Healthy afternoon snack
-
Calm, relaxed atmosphere
2:30 – 3:15 PM | Reading & Storytime / Circle Review
-
Group reading, storytelling, or puppet play
-
Discussion about the day’s theme or children’s interests
3:15 – 4:00 PM | Outdoor Play / Physical Activity
-
Large motor play, running, climbing, or group games
-
Exploration of gardens or small animals when available
4:00 – 4:45 PM | Learning & Discovery Time
-
Science experiments, nature observation, or educational play
-
Group projects or problem-solving activities
4:45 – 5:15 PM | Free Play / Choice Time
-
Children choose indoor or outdoor activities
-
Opportunity for self-directed play and creativity
5:15 – 5:30 PM | Closing Circle & Departure
-
Reflection on the day, songs, or story
-
Gather belongings and prepare for pickup

Daily Discoveries
-
Morning Circle – songs, stories, and group activities to build connection and routine
-
Outdoor Exploration – daily time in nature for free play, gardening, nature walks, and seasonal activities
-
Hands-On Learning – themed activities in early literacy, math, and science through play and discovery
-
Creative Expression – arts, crafts, music, and movement woven into each day
-
Rest & Renewal – quiet rest/nap time with calm transitions
Meals & Snacks
-
Nutritious meals and snacks provided, with an emphasis on fresh, simple, kid-friendly foods
-
Mealtime is community-centered, teaching children independence and social skills
Early Childhood Learning
-
Nature-Based Curriculum with weekly themes (e.g., weather, leaves, seasons, animals)
-
Developmentally appropriate activities that support:
-
Fine & Gross Motor Skills
-
Early Math & Literacy
-
Practical Life Skills
-
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
-
-
Montessori-inspired elements for independence and self-confidence
Outdoor Play & Nature Connection
-
Daily outdoor time in all safe weather conditions
-
Garden exploration, digging, and planting
-
Natural loose parts play (sticks, stones, leaves, pinecones)
-
Outdoor gross motor play (climbing, balancing, running, jumping)
Social-Emotional Growth
-
Small group size for individualized attention
-
Positive guidance and gentle discipline
-
Focus on kindness, empathy, and cooperation
-
Opportunities for mixed-age learning and peer modeling
Program Features
-
Home-like environment with cozy, child-centered learning spaces
-
Safe indoor and outdoor play areas
-
Seasonal celebrations
-
Parent communication
Nature’s Children provides more than childcare — it’s a community where children thrive, families feel supported, and a love for learning and nature is planted for life.
