Daily Life at Cedarwood Nature School
- At Cedarwood Nature School, we provide a nurturing, kind, and wholesome environment for each child. Each day we work on developing a deep reverence for the natural world while weaving foundational learning into indoor and outdoor play. Studies have found that there are many benefits for children who spend extended periods of time outdoors
- At Cedarwood Nature School, we provide a nurturing, kind, and wholesome environment for each child. Each day we work on developing a deep reverence for the natural world while weaving foundational learning into indoor and outdoor play. Studies have found that there are many benefits for children who spend extended periods of time outdoors in unstructured play, including: stronger immune systems, longer attention spans, superior problem-solving and critical thinking skills, increased physical strength and better mental health.
- Each child in our program is assisted during any separation stress and embraced joyfully in a world of play-based exploration. Cedarwood Nature School is centered on nature inspired resources and tech-free adventure. Our calm loving guidance every day creates a consistent warmth that helps each child feel secure. Imaginative play is respe
- Each child in our program is assisted during any separation stress and embraced joyfully in a world of play-based exploration. Cedarwood Nature School is centered on nature inspired resources and tech-free adventure. Our calm loving guidance every day creates a consistent warmth that helps each child feel secure. Imaginative play is respected and encouraged throughout the day. With low teacher-to-child ratios, we are able to prioritize positive development in a safe, happy, and nurturing environment.
- Preschoolers at Cedarwood Nature School are immersed into a full range of fun adventure that takes them outdoors most of the day to explore, run free, play together, make new creations, and enjoy natural screen-free healthy settings. They discover language, reading, mathematics, science, art, and social studies organically within a nature
- Preschoolers at Cedarwood Nature School are immersed into a full range of fun adventure that takes them outdoors most of the day to explore, run free, play together, make new creations, and enjoy natural screen-free healthy settings. They discover language, reading, mathematics, science, art, and social studies organically within a nature based real world Reggio-inspired curriculum. Our preschoolers are supported with open ended creativity resources. Each child is immersed into the value of nature; nurturing a deep compassion and respect for all life.
Cedarwood Nature School RHYTHMS
Morning Rhythms
- Our mornings begin with a warm welcome greeting. Our cozy circle songs, a healthy morning snack, and imaginative creative free play are all enjoyed during this time. Children then head outside for nature immersion and morning story time with the Teacher. Each child should bring an extra set of clothes and appropriate outdoor clothing gear each day as well as warm waterproof outdoor boots. We play in dirt, snow, and puddles!
Midday Rhythms
- Cedarwood is an all-inclusive 100% organic program. Lunch is eaten together at a custom Amish family style table with a peaceful pace for each child to calmly enjoy their healthy meal. This is a special time for children to feel a connection to each other and to where their food comes from. Our mealtime together fosters community and reverence. A nourishing homemade nutrient dense organic lunch is provided daily while we focus on table manners and quality bonding. In addition, three wholesome organic snacks will be provided every day.
Afternoon Rhythms
- At Cedarwood Nature School, we go on a forest adventure at the nearby Bear Creek Trail daily. This is a fun time to explore the woodlands and learn about nature. Upon return from outdoor adventures, rest time and creative quiet play are encouraged for each child. Art projects, nature books, resting bean bags, natural toys, and gentle yoga are favorites during this time. An additional healthy organic snack is offered in the afternoon. The end of the day is a special time for children to share their art work, creative projects, stories of adventures and hugs with parents at pick up.
Resources
Helpful Tips
Five ways to encourage mud play
- Dress for the mess. Keep a stash of play clothes that can handle mud, grass stains and the occasional berry smash. Splash pants, rubber boots and old, oversized T-shirts are your best friends.
- Create a mud zone. You don’t need a forest — just a corner of the backyard, community garden or even a planter box filled with soil. Add some buckets, spoons or recycled containers and let the culinary mud magic begin.
- Say “yes” more. When your child asks if they can splash in that puddle, dig a hole, or bury their feet in the garden, lean into that impulse. Clothes and children can both be washed.
- Normalize the dirt. Talk about the benefits with other parents and caregivers. By shifting the conversation from “ugh, mess” to “yes, microbes,” we can redefine what “healthy” looks like.
- Don’t stress over the clean-up.Washing hands after going to the bathroom and before eating is good policy, but there’s no need to give your child a bath or clean up immediately after playing outside.
-Children & Nature Network
Helpful Links
- Natural Habitat Adventures – December 2024 – Nature in 2025: Aid to Attention, Happiness and Well-Being
- Healthy Children – May 2024 – Playing Outside: Why It’s Important for Kids
- The New York Times – April 2021 – Plant a Love of Nature in Your Kids
- Children & Nature Network – July 2025 – Mud, mess and microbes: Why kids need to play in the dirt
- The Guardian – June 2019 – Two-Hour “Dose” of Nature Significantly Boosts Health
- Greater Good Magazine (University of California, Berkeley) – June 2019 – Six Ways Nature Helps Children Learn
- Yes Magazine – April 2019 – Why 30 Minutes of Nature a Day Is So Good for Your Health
"Young children thrive when they have daily play in high-quality nature spaces. These environments play a vital role in supporting healthy growth during the early childhood years. Adding natural elements such as trees, pathways, boulders, logs, and gardens supports children’s growth and learning but also promotes environmental stewardship."
-Children & Nature Network