Nature schools, also known as nature-based, outdoor, or forest schools, are educational programs that integrate nature as the central theme, offering significant developmental and environmental benefits. These programs promote child development and environmental literacy by spending a substantial portion of the day outdoors and adopting a child-led, play-based approach tailored to children's interests, abilities, and environments.

Key characteristics include fostering socio-emotional growth, encouraging healthy risk-taking, and improving cognitive, physical, and mental health outcomes. Nature schools enhance brain development, academic performance, executive function, emotional resilience, and physical activity while providing therapeutic benefits for conditions like ADHD and autism.

Research confirms the effectiveness of nature-based education, showing it supports comprehensive development—including cognitive, social-emotional, physical, language, and environmental literacy. Studies highlight that nature reduces stress, enhances attention, and provides a rich, engaging setting for learning, particularly benefiting students who struggle with traditional instruction methods.

Ensuring children spend ample time playing outside is a simple yet powerful way to enhance their future health and success. Modern childhood increasingly takes place indoors, influenced by factors such as screen time, structured activities, safety concerns, and limited outdoor spaces. However, outdoor play offers vital benefits:

1. Sunshine: Essential for vitamin D production, immune function, sleep regulation, and mood enhancement, moderate sun exposure supports overall health.

2. Exercise: Outdoor activities naturally encourage the physical activity children need daily for healthy development.

3. Executive Function: Unstructured outdoor play fosters planning, creativity, problem-solving, and independence, critical for life skills.

4. Risk-Taking: Allowing children to take manageable risks builds confidence, resilience, and the ability to handle challenges.

5. Socialization: Outdoor play promotes collaboration, sharing, and interpersonal skills in informal, less structured environments.

6. Nature Appreciation: Experiencing nature firsthand instills a deeper connection to the environment, fostering care and understanding essential for preserving the planet.

Encouraging outdoor play equips children with physical, social, and emotional tools for a healthier, more fulfilling life.

10:00  AM

Meet parents for drop off

10:15 AM

Circle time, Animal Yoga, Sing

10:45 AM

Walk trails to spot of the day; Sit spots

15 min Sit spot to listen and observe nature, child picks spot 

11:00

Exploration & Free Play

Climbing, bird watching, pretend play, crafts, identifying plants and animals, mini microscopes and magnifying glass

12:00 PM

Lunch and Story Time

Seasonal theme story 

1:00 PM

Exploration & Play; Mini lessons

Scavenger hunt; letters, numbers, shapes formed with sticks, acorns, leaves, etc.

2:00 PM

Snack and clean up

2:15 PM

Reflection & Circle Time

Second story; Favorite part of day

3:00 PM

Parent pick up

For 2025, we will meet at Rockwood Park, 3401 Courthouse Rd, Richmond, VA 23236

Three layers: 1-base layer 2- mid layer 3-outer layer

1. Layer one (base layer) is to regulate body temperature and wick moisture.

Ideal clothing materials: wool, merino, polyester

Base layer shirt and pants; socks (not cotton)

2. Layer two (mid layer) is to trap heat, breathable.

Ideal clothing materials: fleece, merino, polyester

Mid layer shirt and pants

3. Layer three (outer layer) should be windproof and waterproof (not just water resistant).

Insulated hooded jacket, waterproof rain pants and jacket

4. Accessories to keep ears, fingers and toes warm

Warm hat or balaclava; waterproof mittens; classic boots 

EXAMPLES

Base Layer Examples:

L. L. Bean Wicked Warm Underwear Set 

REI Co-op Merino Base Layer
Patagonia Capilene

Non-Cotton Sock Examples:
Smartwool Kid's Hiking Socks

Mid Layer Examples:

Tops:
L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Fleece Patagonia Baby Micro D Snap T

Bottoms:
REI Co-op Toasty Fleece Pants
L.L. Bean Mountain Fleece Pants Patagonia Micro D Fleece Bottoms

Outer Layers:

REI Co-op Down Jacket
Columbia Powder Lite Hooded Jacket
Columbia Humphrey Hills Jacket
Reima Waterproof Rain Jacket & Pants

Accessories:

Polarn O. Pyret Insulated Mitten L.L. Bean Cold Buster Mitten Reima Insulated Mittens
Bogs Classic Boots

At DNS, we embrace outdoor play every day, rain or shine! However, in cases of severe weather—such as heavy thunderstorms, severe icy roads, extreme heat (100°F or higher), or freezing temperatures—we may cancel classes. We also monitor local school closures in the Midlothian area (e.g., Providence Elementary, Monacan High School) due to hazardous conditions. Parents and guardians will be promptly informed of any changes via text.

Please ensure children are dressed appropriately for the weather to stay comfortable and safe during outdoor activities.

The safety of children at DNS is a top priority, and outdoor risks are carefully managed through planning, supervision, and preparedness. Teachers are familiar with the environments, identifying and addressing potential hazards. DNS emphasizes the value of developmentally appropriate risk-taking, fostering resilience, confidence, and decision-making skills. This approach counters societal tendencies to overprotect children, which often hinder access to outdoor play and learning.

Risky play, such as climbing trees or jumping between rocks, stems from curiosity and helps children explore their capabilities, not seek danger. DNS empowers children to make informed decisions, recognizing their competence, capability, and curiosity. Research shows that engaging in risk-taking promotes healthy physical, emotional, and cognitive development, building lifelong skills.

Communicating with parents about the benefits of risky play is vital. By explaining activities and their developmental value—such as tree climbing, rock building, and imaginative exploration—DNS helps parents understand and support this approach. Parents often value these opportunities, acknowledging the barriers that modern life places on children’s outdoor experiences.

Ultimately, DNS believes all children deserve the chance to play and learn in nature, whether in small mud puddles or vast woodlands. These experiences empower children to lead their play, make decisions, and grow in meaningful ways.

At DNS, all students are required to be potty trained due to the added complexities of managing diapers in outdoor settings. Exceptions can be made if a parent or guardian accompanies the child to provide necessary support.

Classes at Rockwood Park will utilize available restrooms or portable potties. Additionally, we will provide a travel potty and privacy tent for convenience. Biodegradable bags, toilet paper, flushable toddler wipes, and cedar chips for absorption will be used to maintain hygiene.

We also have a portable handwashing station, equipped with soaps from Melaleuca that are free of parabens, formaldehyde, and phthalates, ensuring a safe and eco-friendly cleaning process.

DNS offers two sign-up options:

1. Unaccompanied: $60 (for one child).

2. Accompanied: $30 (for one child with a parent or guardian) + $10 for each additional child (3 years and older .

Parents are warmly encouraged to participate in classes! We hope all attendees actively engage in the activities and set a positive example for others.

Younger siblings (age 2 and under) are welcome to attend with parent supervision. However, if a younger child becomes distracting, you may be asked to step away temporarily to allow the group to focus on their activities. Keep in mind that the class is designed for children aged 3-6, so some activities may not be suitable for very young children. Please introduce younger siblings to the instructors at the start of class and provide a signed Participation Waiver for them.

Parents and grandparents are welcome to join classes, but all visitors must complete a Medical and Release form and actively participate in the day’s activities.

To maximize the outdoor experience, all children must turn off cell phones and electronic devices during class. We encourage students to remain attentive and focused and ask parents to model this behavior.

Please avoid interrupting the children to take photos so they can stay engaged and enjoy their free play. Our instructors will capture photos when possible and share them with you. Our goal is to create an environment where children immerse themselves in nature, free from technology, during their five hours with us.

DNS Class Rules:

1. Treat each other with respect and kindness.

2. Show respect for the places and properties we visit.

3. Treat animals, plants, and natural objects with care and respect.

4. Stay with the group at all times under the supervision of DNS instructors.

5. Disrespectful behavior, violence, and property destruction are strictly prohibited.

Behavior Policy:

Instructors will address inappropriate behavior with the child in the moment and inform the parents after class, or during class if immediate action is required. A solution will be collaboratively developed between the child, parents, and instructor.

• Second Incident: Parents and instructors will meet with the child to encourage behavior change and create an agreement for improvement.

• Third Incident: If the behavior persists, DNS may limit the child’s involvement or remove them from the program.

DNS aims to allow children to resolve minor conflicts independently, fostering essential conflict-resolution skills. However, all participants must maintain respect and kindness toward others.

Lunch and Snack Guidelines:

Each child should bring their own lunch and snack to every class. While we respect individual nutritional needs and choices, we request that you pack healthy, nutritious food for your child. Please avoid sending candy or junk food.

Outdoor activities often make children extra hungry, so include a substantial meal, snacks, and plenty of water in a refillable container. To avoid allergy or dietary issues, food sharing is not permitted.

Sustainable Lunch Packing:

To align with Earthroots teachings, we encourage packing lunches in reusable containers and water bottles that can be washed and reused throughout the year. Please aim to reduce or avoid single-use disposable plastic bags and bottles whenever possible, supporting sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Currently, DNS does not offer discounts or financial aid options. However, we are actively working towards making these available in the future as we progress toward becoming licensed.

All children at DNS are required to bring a small, durable backpack each day that includes the following items, all labeled with your child’s name:

• Covered water bottle. Water bottle should be one that is easily transportable for your child and easy for them to operate and use on their own. Please ensure the bottle does not leak when inverted. 

• Lunchbox with lunch. Must be a sealed lunch container (Bento Box, Yummo Lunch Boxes, metal thermos) that is small enough to fit in your child’s backpack, or in a bag that can be hooked to the wagon. Sealed boxes prevent bugs and animals from taking an interest. We do not have refrigeration or re-heating capabilities at our school, so please be mindful of hot and cold weather when packing your child’s lunch. Insulated zipper bags are welcomed.

• Two seasonally appropriate extra changes of clothes. 

• Two pairs of socks.

• Two pairs of underwear.

• Sunscreen.

A snug fitting hat, appropriate to the season.

Families must notify DNS in writing about any food or environmental allergies their child has. For children with diagnosed allergies or asthma, parents/guardians must provide an individualized health care plan signed by the child’s physician. This plan should include symptoms, reactions, treatments, care instructions, and any required medications.

While we strive to minimize risks, it is not possible to eliminate all allergens or prevent food sharing entirely. Families of children with severe allergies should carefully consider whether group care is appropriate, given these unavoidable risks. Please note that DNS is not a nut-free school.

Additionally, we ask parents/guardians to inform us of any medications or medical conditions their child may have so we can collaborate on a plan to meet their needs during class.

DNS charges $40 per class for unaccompanied children and $20 for children attending with a parent or guardian. We strive to maintain the appropriate staff-to-child ratio to ensure every child can explore, play, and learn in a safe and supportive environment. Safety is our top priority, and we are committed to creating a secure space where children can freely engage with nature.

Currently, enrollment is not required for our classes, as we operate on a first-come, first-served basis for the winter and spring of 2024. However, we are excited to announce plans for a summer camp and preschool program, which will require enrollment and monthly payments. Stay tuned for more details!