Snails &
Turkey Tails
An outdoor preschool adventure program for kids in Marin County, CA.
Young children have an innate curiosity about the natural world and at Snails & Turkey Tails we support, and build on, that curiosity through full on nature immersion experiences. Nature provides a stimulating environment for exploration, encourages imaginative play, and offers sensory rich experiences with sights, sounds, and textures that are often new and exciting. In our opinion, nature is the original, and best, playground where children can discover and learn about the world around them; contributing to a sense of wonder and connection to their surroundings.
Studies show that nature-based education benefits children’s development and the environment, with increases shown in prosocial development, physical activity, and language development along with greater respect for nature. Nature-based preschools are powerful programs that fuse early childhood and environmental education to develop a child’s lifelong connection with the natural world.
Roy's Redwoods
Mondays and/or Wednesdays
Did you know that Roy's Redwoods, in the San Geronimo Valley, is home to the oldest old growth redwood trees in Marin County? Listen for barn owls and great-horned owls in evening and early morning. Look for pileated woodpeckers and back-throated gray warblers during the day. Pacific hound's tongue, milkmaids, and other wildflowers bloom in spring.
China Camp State Park
Tuesdays, Thursdays and/or Fridays
China Camp State Park is a 1,514-acre park nestled along the shoreline of San Pablo Bay in San Rafael, California. The park boasts panoramic views, lush oak woodlands, and over 100 acres of protected tidal salt marsh. From the shores of San Pablo Bay to the heights of San Pedro Mountain, China Camp State Park teems with life. In total, 26 species of mammals, 140 species of birds, 44 species of fish, and 15 species of reptiles and amphibians can be found here, some year-round, some as seasonal visitors.
While no two days are ever the same, we do follow a daily rhythm that provides a sense of structure and calm for students. We begin the day with a MORNING CIRCLE where everyone has a chance to settle and connect. This is a time for greetings, an introduction to the day's topic and a story. Next, children explore and engage in NATURE PLAY which is an unstructured time for connection with the land and environment. This time is a major component of our program. Children can be found exploring in pairs or groups and sometimes individually. Since this period is often filled with running and climbing, we take a break for SNACK. At Snails & Turkey Tails we love BUILDING, MAKING & CREATING and each day includes time for a creative activity. Sometimes we work together to build a den or collect objects and sometimes students follow a guided lesson to craft a nature-inspired project. Every day also includes a short HIKE and sometimes we bring our LUNCH along for a picnic. Depending on the location we may hike to a grove of climbing trees, search for a picnic table beside a creek or hideout in a tree fort. After lunch students have more time for NATURE PLAY and if everyone is interested we'll play a game. Finally, we gather together for our GOODBYE CIRCLE where we take time to recap our day and share our discoveries and review what we've learned.
Our Daily Rhythm
Join Our School Year Program
Classes are offered daily. Choose from a 1-5 day weekly schedule. We have space for up to 4-6 children per class, depending on the location. Transportation may be available for some students. School year classes are booked on a monthly basis. Join us for one month or attend every month. Our school year classes run from August - May and in June and July we offer weekly summer camps!
Choose from a 1-5 day weekly schedule. Register for one or more months. All registration is processed through Enrichment Kids.
1 day weekly - $540/month
2 days weekly - $1080/month
3 days weekly - $1,620/month
4 days weekly - $2,160/month
5 days weekly - $2,700/month
AGES 2.6-5
8:30AM-1:30PM
School Year Classes: August - May
(We also offer Summer Camps from June - August)
