How Outdoor Learning Shapes the Best Nursery Programs

Should access to nature be a “must have” as you research nursery programs for your child? We think so! A nature-based program adds incredible depth to a preschool program – fostering curiosity, creativity, and emotional resilience – alongside healthy physical activity. Parents seeking a nursery experience that goes well beyond the traditional will love Friends’ Central School’s Nature Nursery. The intentional blend of cultivating innate curiosity and foundational academic skills is extraordinary. 

The Benefits of Outdoor Learning for Young Children

Research shows that time spent in nature offers profound developmental benefits for young children. Outdoor learning supports:

• Cognitive Development: Nature-based activities spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Social-Emotional Growth: Outdoor group activities build teamwork, empathy, and communication.
• Physical Health: Fresh air and movement strengthen coordination and build healthy habits.
• Wellbeing: Extended time in nature reduces stress and anxiety in children 
• Environmental Awareness: Early exposure to nature fosters a lifelong respect for the environment.
  
  

A Day in the Life at Friends’ Central’s Nature Nursery

Nestled on an idyllic 18-acre campus in Wynnewood, Friends’ Central’s Nature Nursery immerses children in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Each day is intentionally designed to balance structure and spontaneity, academic growth, and joyful exploration.

Creative Indoor Beginnings

The day kicks off indoors with art projects often inspired by the natural world. “Sometimes we draw on what we’ve been doing in nature, like projects with leaves in the fall or flowers in the spring,” shares Natalie Martin, one of four FCS Nature Nursery lead teachers. Morning circle time follows, where children reflect on core Quaker values such as simplicity, peace, and community—referred to as “the SPICES.”

Adventures and Exploration in the Natural World

Next, the real magic begins as children head outdoors, rain or shine. “We are outside every day; sun, rain, snow — whatever the natural world is bringing us, that’s what we explore, learn about, and play in,” Martin explains. Favorite destinations on campus include the fairy forest, gardens, and playgrounds, where children engage in a blend of unstructured play and teacher-guided activities. These experiences seamlessly introduce lessons in science, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Specials and Multidisciplinary Learning

The day rounds out with “specials” such as art, music, Spanish, and science, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach to education. “The trajectory of the Early Childhood Program maintains play, discovery, and child-centered learning at the core,” says Friends’ Central Lower School Assistant Principal Rowena Lesher. 

Conclusion

When choosing a nursery program for your child, it’s important to find one that seamlessly integrates the natural world into every aspect of learning. At Friends' Central School, the Nature Nursery program goes beyond outdoor play; it fosters abundant curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Enjoying exceptional facilities, passionate educators, and a curriculum designed for hands-on exploration and discovery, students at Friends' Central engage with the world around them in meaningful ways, building a foundation that prepares them for success in middle school, high school, and beyond.