The Nature Preschool
Where Curiosity Expands The Mind
Ages 2.5 Years - 7 Years, Full Day 8am-3pm and Half Day 8-12 or 12-3
Lake Forest, CA
2024-2025 AM Session 8-12 is full. A few spaces left in the 12-3 PM Session.
Summer session, 7/8-8/16, has only 12-3 PM spots available.
Let's Go Outside
Let's Go Outside
The Nature Preschool is primarily an outside preschool. The Nature Preschool takes a holistic approach to teaching. Our focus is on the whole child, allowing them to be active participants in their learning process. It is our priority to recognize each child’s interest, provide a safe, interactive, and natural environment, stimulate their curiosity, and encourage their dreams and visions. In order to meet every child’s need, The Nature Preschool combines Eastern and Western teaching strategies. All the children represent themselves and are considered individuals. It has been proven that children best express themselves and learn through a balance of open-ended play, socializing with peers, and a variety of activities. Through this, children learn valuable negotiation skills, concepts of sharing and friendships, and social resilience. Additionally, through open-ended, natural resources that encourage them to use all their senses to find out about the world around them, children thrive and succeed. Therefore, figuring out on their own is the best way for them to learn. This is achieved through repetition and practice.
Daily
Rhythm
8:00 Arrival and nature free play/STEAM choice
9:15 Morning Meeting & potty/diapering
10:00 Snack & Independent reading
10:30 STEAM activities/nature free play/arts & crafts/hikes
11:40 Clean-up & closing circle
12:00 Dismissal/lunch
12:30 Planned STEAM activities/nature free play/arts & crafts/hikes
1:30 Afternoon Meeting & potty/diapering
2:15 Snack & independent reading
2:45 Group activity/game/closing circle
3:00 Dismissal
(Daily routine includes themed stories, reading comprehension, sensory activities, early math, fine /large motor, social skills, and creative thinking (STEAM) development
My boys have attended the Nature Preschool since they were two. They love the school and Miss Marilyn, and in the beginning, they would cry because they didn't want to go home. I love the focus on nature and being outdoors. The kids love the animals, exploring, and getting busy in the dirt. The school is play-based, but Marilyn incorporates many lessons into the play, and the activities keep the kids engaged. My oldest son graduated from kindergarten, and his teacher said his preschool prepared him well. I recommend this excellent little school to everyone.
-Kaitlyn G
The Nature Preschool is truly a gem and an extraordinary place for early childhood education. Our son, attended this preschool, and the experience was nothing short of magical.
The heart and soul of this preschool is undoubtedly Ms. Marilyn, an educator who possesses a unique gift for nurturing young minds and parents through the years of early education. As first-time parents, we put a lot of research and thought into where to send our son, who was at the time 2.5 years old. Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew we wanted him in an indoor/outdoor environment that balanced learning and experimenting with playtime and fun. From the moment we toured Nature Preschool with our son, we knew it was the right place for him. While the transition to preschool was a challenging journey for him, due to some separation anxiety and the fear of the unknown, Ms. Marilyn's kindness, care, and compassion made all the difference. She didn't just welcome our son into her classroom; she enveloped him in warmth and understanding, making him feel safe and comfortable.
One of the standout features of the Nature Preschool is the incredible indoor/outdoor experience it offers. The natural surroundings provide a unique and enriching environment for children to explore and learn. Under Ms. Marilyn's guidance, our son and his classmates spent their days immersed in the wonders of nature, fostering a deep appreciation for the world around them.
Our son thrived emotionally, socially and academically. We were constantly amazed by what he learned and the stories he came home with. Ms. Marilyn's teaching methods are engaging and innovative, sparking his curiosity and igniting his passion for learning. We witnessed a remarkable change in his confidence and enthusiasm in just under 2 years of being enrolled with Ms. Marilyn. The sense of community that Ms. Marilyn has cultivated at the Nature Preschool is exceptional. While we have moved on to transitional kindergarten, we still keep in touch with friends and Ms. Marilyn.
We wholeheartedly recommend the Nature Preschool to any parents seeking a nurturing, enriching, and unique early education experience for their child. Ms. Marilyn's dedication and the wonderful environment she has created are unparalleled. The Nature Preschool is more than a school; it's a place where children blossom, and families are forever grateful for the positive impact it has on their little ones' lives.
-Veronica C
What Parents Are Saying About Us…
I have a 22-year-old daughter who is attending SOU and a 20-year-old son who is attending Saddleback and plays on their tennis team. I have been working with children for more than 35 years and thrive on seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter. Additionally, I marvel at children's curiosity which presents learning opportunities for them to thrive. My educational background consists of a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development, a Masters Degree in Child Development, a Director's Teacher Center Permit, and many educational conferences.
Hi, I’m Mrs. Marilyn.
The Roots of Nature-Based Preschool
Nature-based preschools can be traced back to various educational movements, including the forest school model in Scandinavia in the 1950s. Outdoor education and forest schools have been an integral part of early childhood education for decades. The benefits are exponential. It allows for environmental awareness as children develop a solid connection to nature and gain an early understanding of the environment’s importance, promoting ecological literacy. Health and well-being are promoted through physical activity, which reduces stress and boosts confidence in young learners.
FAQ’s
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Introducing different natural environments to children can help them think beyond their immediate surroundings and build well-rounded perspectives. Studies in the US show that children who participate in nature-based education have significant gains in social studies, science, language arts, and math. Additionally, it has been proven to improve moods, promote healthy development, well-being, and positive environmental attitudes and values.
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Nature play provides physical activities, social opportunities, a sensory rich environment and opportunities to explore, ask questions, and gain self-confidence. Nature play usually incorporates natural items in their learning environment for children to play with, explore, and learn from. For example, children may make music by using natural instruments, like shells, sticks, or rocks or play peek-a-boo using large leaves. Sensory bins provide endless learning opportunities. They are usually filled with different textures that are found in nature, such as bark, sand, rocks, rice, etc.; combined with items for the children to explore with, such as magnifying glasses, scoopers, tongs, etc.
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It is best for them to wear clothing that can get dirty and move comfortably in. Additionally, layering clothing for cold mornings and warm afternoons. When it rains, there will be dancing and playing. It is appropriate for them to wear rain boots, rain pants, and waterproof jackets. Some even wear one-piece waterproof suits to prevent multiple cloth changes per day.
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Experienced and educated teachers
- Assessments 3 times per year
- Members of the Association of Environmental & Outdoor Education
- CPR Certified
- Licensed
Connect.
Reach out to learn more, or check on class availability. Facility tours are given to parent and child when space is available.
*Morning classes are FULL but please email to inquire about the waitlist. Thank you!
Email
mjsulliv2@gmail.com
Phone
949-482-8430