Nature School | Snails & Turkey Tails

nature School CO-OP

For children ages 2-4, and their caregivers.

Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays.

9AM-12PM

Lake Lagunitas in Fairfax

$300/month

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Our Nature School cooperative is designed for children ages 2 to 4. Rooted in early childhood best practices, the co-op provides a gentle, consistent rhythm that nurtures each child’s curiosity, independence, creativity, and connection to the natural world. Each day includes a balance of free exploration, circle time, nature walks, sensory play, stories, and group meals, all held outdoors in a safe and engaging environment. We are currently searching for an indoor location for inclement days, but we always welcome a little rain!

Our approach is child-led, allowing young learners to discover the world at their own pace while building social skills, motor development, and a deep appreciation for the seasons and surroundings. Our school is ideal for families seeking a slower, more intentional early childhood experience grounded in community, rhythm, and nature connection.

Our nature school is a cooperative model and we require parent/caregiver attendance at least once a month—we’ve found this gives children a healthy balance of supported and independent experiences within our community. Additionally, parents gain a deeper understanding of their child’s strengths, interests, and social skills.

Daily Schedule:

9:00 – 9:30 AM | Arrival & Free Exploration

Warm welcome and gentle transitions
Open-ended nature play (mud kitchen, logs, digging, climbing, collecting leaves, etc.)
Children explore at their own pace with teacher/caregiver support

~ Supports social-emotional development, curiosity, and sensory integration.

9:30 – 9:45 AM | Morning Circle

Morning welcome and greetings
Short movement or mindfulness activity
Nature-based story, weather observation, or seasonal discussion

~ Encourages language development, group connection, and routine.

9:45 – 10:30 AM | Nature Walk / Guided Exploration

Short walk or guided nature adventure
Collect nature treasures, observe insects, listen to birds, etc.
Gentle provocations (e.g., "Can you find three kinds of leaves?")

~ Builds motor skills, observational awareness, and connection to the land.

10:30 – 10:45 AM | Snack Time & Rest Break

Gather for a healthy snack
Wash hands or hand sanitizer
Relaxed time to sit and refuel

~ Encourages healthy habits and builds community during mealtime.

10:45 – 11:30 AM | Focused Activity

Rotating, teacher-led, nature-based activity such as:
- Nature art projects (land art, watercolor, etc.)
- Sensory play, ie: homemade playdough
- Various nature-inspired craft projects

~ Supports fine motor development, creativity, and sensory exploration.

11:30 – 12:00 PM | Closing Circle & Goodbye Ritual

Gratitude practice (e.g., "What was your favorite thing today?")
Goodbye song or gentle movement activity
Prepare for transition to home
~ Creates a sense of closure, reflection, and group cohesion.