Megan Fink
Nature as Classroom
In the first few years, children’s brains grow faster than at any other time in life. For babies and toddlers, every sight, sound, texture, and movement is brand new. This is also a critical time for developing secure attachments to caring adults, such as parents, caregivers, and teachers. Nature, which offers an endless variety of sensory experiences and plenty of opportunities for connection and joy, is one of the best classrooms.
Sensory Exploration
Babies and toddlers are natural scientists, constantly collecting information about how the world works. Being outside immerses young children in a sensory experience—wind that tickles their skin, squirrels chattering above, and leaves that crunch when squeezed in tiny hands. The more opportunities young children have to experience these different sensory inputs, the better, and nature provides limitless variety.
Have you seen a baby mesmerized by a ceiling fan? He or she may be just as captivated watching leaves rustling in the wind. Outside, this same moment is enhanced by the warmth of the sun on their skin, the feeling of grass beneath their feet, and the sound of a bird singing. Nature offers so much; sometimes, all we have to do is make time for it.
Did You Know?
Scientists now recognize more than just five senses. Some say over twenty! Two that are particularly important for babies and toddlers are:
- Vestibular: our sense of balance and movement
- Proprioception: awareness of our body’s position and motion
Outdoor play supports both of these senses naturally!
SOL Forest School
A Safe Place Child Enrichment Center
Shared Experiences with Caring Adults
It’s normal to feel unsure about taking very young children outdoors. The key is keeping it simple. For babies and toddlers, your presence is what matters most. Feeling safe and connected to you is the foundation for exploration and learning.
With some simple precautions and basic supplies, you can feel confident venturing out together. Note anything your child may put in their mouth. While a little dirt won’t hurt, not everything in nature is safe to consume. Bring along essentials like sunscreen, snacks, and wipes, and be aware of your baby becoming too warm or too cold.
You can start small! Choose a sunny day, find some shade, spread out a blanket, and just be present with your child. Tune in to what catches your child’s attention and use these moments to connect and talk about what you notice. “I see a butterfly on that bright yellow flower!” or “You seem to like the feel of the rough tree bark.” These moments build language, connection, and trust.
Jenny Hanlon
Jenny Hanlon
Consistency is Key
One of the best gifts you can give your child is regular time outside. You don’t need to travel far from home. Choose a place that feels familiar to you. Maybe you always walk through the park on Saturday mornings, stopping for a few minutes to sit on a bench and look around. Spending time together outside, especially visiting the same places over and over, builds comfort, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
As you visit the same places again and again, you’ll see the subtle and not-so-subtle changes that happen in nature every day. Even very young children can begin to notice these changes, recognizing a tree’s changing leaves or ducklings trailing the big ducks. Adults can support their learning by giving words to these changes: “The leaves used to be green and now they are red,” or “The baby ducks are getting so big!”
These shared experiences are not only contributing to young children’s developing brains, they’re also fun! Take time to marvel at children’s joy as well as your own joy outdoors.
Stacey Alfonso
Tips for Caregivers:
- Start with yourself. If you can, spend a few minutes outside every day and notice how it makes you feel. Finding a place you feel comfortable first can inform where you explore with your child.
- Keep it short and simple. Even 5–10 minutes outside makes a difference. Sit on a blanket outside after naptime, or let your child crawl on the grass while you sip coffee.
- Bring nature in. If you can’t get outside, open a window, listen to birds, or bring in leaves and pinecones to explore safely.
A Safe Place Child Enrichment Center
Tips for Educators:
- Start with existing routines. Take snack or storytime outside to build comfort, then identify other times of day when outdoor time might fit in.
- Offer natural materials like pinecones, sticks, or seed pods for sensory play (always supervised).
- Model curiosity and joy outside. Babies and toddlers watch you and learn that the outdoors are safe and fun!