Gallery

Parents and their children gather to learn about aloe vera by watching, listening, and exploring fragrance and texture.

The Nature Network aims to start conversations that can be continued within and among families later on about the world and its wonders.

One of the children, after we were done with our exploration, decided to replant our aloe vera and insisted on watering it.

One thing the Nature Network champions is leaving spaces (both our living spaces and our world) the same or better than we found it.

A child reaches into a pot of empty soil (we had taken out the plants to explore them, but he was more interested in the dirt).

At the Nature Network, children are allowed (and encouraged) to engage with the materials in any (safe) way they choose. We embrace the messy and love to see children of all ages feel safe and free to explore in whatever manner they see fit.

Hands-on exploration is introduced to an infant.

The Nature Network is designed for children ages 1-6 (Toddlers to Kindergarten), but siblings who are younger or older are welcome to attend! Activities can be adapted up to elementary school ages. Children who are younger or not walking yet still benefit from preliminary exploration and being surrounded by language.

A parent and their child explore a book.

Weekend Workshops are structured so children have a choice between learning stations (such as hands-on exploration of natural materials, literature, preserved specimens and photographs, or exploration of measurement tools or scientific equipment) before doing group games and activities.

Emily and one of the children wiggle on the floor like worms during a group game.

Here at the Nature Network, we aren't afraid to get silly! Learning can be fun in so many ways!

Families go on a nature walk.

The classroom is a great controlled environment, but it is even more valuable to get out in the world and see everything we learn about!

One child, when they found out the workshop was about worms, decided to bring their own shovel to dig!

The Nature Network values joy and fosters independent interest. Children are encouraged to engage with the materials and content how they like. 

A child uses a magnifying glass during hands-on exploration.

The Nature Network covers a variety of topics. Most center around learning about various natural phenomena and processes, but everything is designed to help children develop critical thinking skills. They may only think they are having fun, but they are also pushing the limits of their cognitive ability and "growing" their brain. For example, learning to use various measurement and observation tools is just as important as learning about the subject of interest, as it can apply to many circumstances.

A child tells Emily what they see or experience.

One of the Nature Network's guidelines is to "use your 'big voice'" to talk and ask questions. No question is too big or too small, and all voices are welcome here.

A child points to a gummy worm they found in the pudding.

The Nature Network prioritizes kids' success and encourages them to show pride in their accomplishments. 

Parents guide their child to use tongs.

At the Nature Network, we are always happy to assist. However, we love even more to see parents get involved in the activities. The goal of the Nature Network is to provide a space for parents and their children to connect with each other as they connect with nature.

Each activity (unstructured or guided) has a purpose. For example, in this activity, children used tongs to pick up gummy "worms" out of pudding. This strengthens fine motor skills, grasp, and hand-eye coordination!

A child crawls through a cardboard tunnel.

Activities at the Nature Network vary in order to strengthen a variety of skills, from scientific inquiry to gross- and fine-motor skills.

Emily demonstrates how a magnifying glass works. 

At the Nature Network, we believe hands-on exploration in which children can ask questions, try new things, and make mistakes is the best way to learn!

A child tells Emily what they observe.

Children have a wide range of experiences, and we want them to talk about what they are learning and doing! This can be encouraged by offering vocabulary and language, even before they begin to speak.

During hands-on exploration, a child describes the differences they see between a worm and a slug. 

At the Nature Network, we encourage children to "think out loud," or describe their thought processes. One way to invite children to share more is to ask questions such as, "What makes you think that?" All of the language modeling is not only for children, but also for their families to learn how to motivate conversation.

A child uses a gentle one-finger touch with the bugs.

At the Nature Network, we want children to be able to experience as much of the world as they would like. We guide children to be gentle with nature and prioritize the safety of the children and of the elements.

Emily holds up a peach in a demonstration of how seeds are similar and different between fruits. 

Analysis starts small! The Nature Network builds early science skills, including observation, prediction, and critical thinking.

A child sniffs a flower.

Exploration at the Nature Network consists of observing and manipulating authentic, natural materials in a safe setting! 

A child places a pipe-cleaner "bug" on the picture of a flower. In this simulation, children were invited to imitate the process of pollination by moving the flour ("pollen") between flowers using the bugs' feet.

When hands-on exploration of an organic process is not easily accessible, simulation makes it possible to demonstrate natural phenomena. This can build tools for imagination, critical thinking, and creative problem solving.