Stories from our Nature Preschool Program
- Merry Lea, Central Noble nature preschool now available by KPC News Albion New Era
- Nature Preschool Excursions by Merry Lea
- Nature Preschool Explores all Weathers by Merry Lea
Nature Preschool
We support our youngest, curious learners through extended time in nature. The outdoors provides rich opportunities for variety, movement and creativity that we supplement with additional tools, hands-on activities and student agency.
We partner with Central Noble Primary School (CNP) and the Cole Center Family YMCA to provide nature preschool Monday – Thursday. Students spend each morning learning in their indoor classroom at CNP before exploring Merry Lea’s outdoor classroom in the afternoon for two hours in rain, shine or snow.
What does a typical day look like?
SIT SPOT TIME
A sit spot* is a student-selected location in the outdoor classroom, which students visit sometime during many program days to sit and observe. This independent time is an opportunity for self-exploration, to develop self awareness and an appreciation for their space. Students are free to interact with their space, journal their thoughts, and notice what they hear, smell, see or feel.
* For more information and documents on sit spots:
Resources & Research
INTRODUCED ACTIVITIES CHILDREN CAN EXPLORE
Students are offered many options for how to do a presented activity, use the materials, or otherwise engage with the content. Students have a choice between – and agency over – these immersive activities.
GROUP ACTIVITIES OR COMMUNITY TIME
Full-group activities are included purposefully and carefully to stimulate social growth.
FREE EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY
Our curricular approach balances foundations routines with individual evolving interests and exploration. By allowing appropriate risk and emergent play, students will become attuned to seasonal changes, and develop skills with physical, social, cognitive and emotional benefits.
EXCURSIONS
Our preschoolers experience the same site and ecosystems in all weather and seasons as part of their outdoor classroom. But once a week, the students explore Merry Lea’s wide variety of ecosystems beyond the outdoor classroom. These excursions include hiking through prairies, wading in wetlands, meeting animals at the farm or exploring different forests.
INDOOR CLASSROOM TIME AT CENTRAL NOBLE PRIMARY
Teachers from the Cole Center Family YMCA construct experiences from which children see the meaning of what they learn. Intentional lesson plans and classroom setup, and thoughtful interactions encourage knowledge-retention, self-esteem and individual interests.
Our Partnership Model
YMCA's Roles
The YMCA leads administrative and operational tasks, like registration, parent communication, accreditation and more.
The YMCA facilitates the indoor components: curriculum, instruction, acquiring necessary supplies for the indoor classroom and providing professional development to Merry Lea staff on preschool-age appropriate practices.
Both Merry Lea and the YMCA collaborate on indoor and outdoor alignments, overall adherence to our Nature Preschool philosophy and ensure program quality.
Merry Lea's Roles
Merry Lea develops and helps manage the preschool as a nature-based program. Elements include: program structure and philosophy, curriculum development and operational plans.
Merry Lea provides the site(s) for daily outdoor exploration and environmental educators to facilitate experiences in nature. Our staff is supported by co-educators from the YMCA for the outdoor classroom.
Both Merry Lea and the YMCA collaborate on indoor and outdoor alignments, overall adherence to our Nature Preschool philosophy and ensure program quality.
Central Noble Primary's Role
CNP provides the indoor classroom and ‘home’ location for the program.