Nurture the Inner Naturalist: Wild Neighbors
Seedlings students ages 2.5-4 will spend this week at the Batiquitos Lagoon getting to know the incredible wildlife that calls San Diego County home.
Through hands-on inquiry, they will explore habitats, track signs of local species, and learn about the relationships that sustain our ecosystems. With every discovery—paw prints, feathers, nests, and more—students will begin building the foundation of a nature-conscious mindset rooted in curiosity, respect, and care for the living world.
Families may also choose to extend the experience with an additional six-week classic or Spanish immersion session, or two-week immersion classes, offering even more time for language development, connection, and deep summer learning.
Please Note:
We are always open to adding more sessions. Even if the class is full please add yourself to the waitlist as we may add more classes to the session depending on interest!
Seedling Classes are for students ages 2.5-4.
For older students see our Wildling Classes!
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/02/2026 and ends on 07/09/2026
Participants must be 2 years and 4 months to 4 years old when the program starts.
Seedlings Daily Rhythm 8:00–8:30 | Arrival & Gentle Transitions 8:30–9:30 | Invitation to Play & Exploration 9:30–10:00 | Morning Circle & Shared Care Time 10:00–11:15 | Walk-About & Outdoor Discovery 11:15–11:45 | Lunch, Reflection & Restful Transitions 11:45–12:00 | Pick-Up & Goodbye Rituals
Children arrive and are welcomed into the space with calm routines, connection with teachers, and time to settle in through quiet play and exploration.
Children engage in open-ended play experiences designed to spark curiosity and imagination. Invitations may include building and construction, creative art, dramatic play, nature-based exploration, simple tool use, and cozy book browsing. Children choose how they play, with teachers supporting and guiding as needed.
We gather together for a snack, shared stories, songs, and conversation. Teachers guide group experiences that support early math and science thinking, language development, and connection to our world. A bathroom break is woven naturally into this time.
Children explore our surroundings through slow, purposeful walk-abouts. We pause to observe nature, follow interests, move our bodies, and extend learning through sensory and hands-on experiences.
Children enjoy a brief lunch together, followed by shared stories, gentle reflection on the morning, and a second bathroom break to support comfort and independence.
Children reunite with caregivers as the day closes with calm transitions and warm goodbyes.
Please contact The Native School if you have any questions.