🍃 Nature Study Prompts + Find a Forest School
Alternative Learning Paths
If your child thrives outdoors, forest schools and nature-based learning may be the perfect fit. These programs prioritize exploration, sensory experiences, and unstructured play—rain or shine. Kids build confidence and resilience while climbing trees, building forts, and observing the wonders of each season.
🌿 Nature Study Prompts for Any Day Outside
Use these open-ended prompts to spark curiosity and observation wherever you are—backyard, park, or trail.
🌤️ “What does the air feel like today?”
🍁 “Can you find three colors in the leaves or plants?”
🐛 “What living creatures do you see nearby? What are they doing?”
🔍 “How many different textures can you touch?” (Rough bark? Soft moss? Crunchy leaves?)
📏 “Can you measure something using your hand, stick, or string?”
🕵🏽♀️ “What do you hear if you sit very still for 30 seconds?”
✏️ “Draw or describe something you’ve never noticed before.”
📓 Pro tip: Keep a Nature Journal with sketches, leaf rubbings, or written notes from your adventures.
🌲 Find a Forest School Near You
Explore organizations that connect families with outdoor-based education:
📍 Forest School Finder Tools
Children & Nature Network – U.S.-based nature clubs and outdoor programs
Forest School Association (UK) – For international and U.K. forest school programs
Natural Start Alliance – Nature preschools, kindergartens, and educator resources
🌎 Program Highlights
Tinkergarten – Outdoor classes for early learners across the U.S.
WILD + FREE Groups – Local and online nature-inspired homeschooling communities
Cedarsong Nature School – A pioneer of the U.S. forest kindergarten model
🧭 What to Look For in a Forest or Nature-Based Program
🌦️ All-weather philosophy (dress for mess!)
🍃 Child-led learning approach
🛠️ Hands-on, imaginative play with natural materials
👫 Mixed-age group learning and social development
🧘🏽 Emphasis on emotional resilience and mindfulness
Bonus! 🛒 Outdoor Must-Haves for Nature Learning
Waterproof boots + layers
Magnifying glass or bug viewer
Sketchbook and crayons
Reusable water bottle
Sit pad or mini camp stool
Let nature lead. Sometimes, the best curriculum is a patch of woods and an open afternoon.
