Preschool learners – Join us for 7 Fridays starting October 30, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, to explore the woods with friends!
Fall Woodland Nature Class
Register- Class
- Fall Woodland Nature Class
- Day
- Fridays
- Time
- 9:30–10:30 AM
- Length
- 1 hour
- Sessions
- 7 weeks, October 30 – December 18
- No class
- November 27 (Thanksgiving)
- Who attends
- Ages 2–5. Adult participation required.
Step into the woods this fall for an hour of stories, discovery, and seasonal exploration. Each week centers on a woodland wonder, such as spiders, hackberry trees, fallen logs, or birds, with a story and a guided activity that children can explore at their own pace and in their own way. We might hunt for spider webs, make bark rubbings, peek under logs for roly-polies, or hang treats for the birds. Week by week, we’ll watch the woods change as autumn turns to winter.
Time in the woods builds curiosity, confidence, and independence while supporting sensory and motor development. Grown-ups come along as companions, slowing down, noticing, and following their child’s lead.
Rain or shine: Nature class meets in rain, heat, and snow, so children can experience the woods in every kind of weather. Whether class runs depends on temperature and other conditions, and class may be canceled when conditions are unsafe. Please check your email before every class for possible cancellations.
Adult participation required. Each child must be accompanied by a participating adult for the full class.
Why outdoor learning matters
Young children learn through play, and the outdoors gives play more room to grow. Research on young children is still growing, but studies link regular time in nature with benefits for children’s bodies, minds, and relationships.
Focus and calm. Time in nature helps restore children’s attention, and growing evidence suggests it eases stress, too. A 2019 review of hundreds of studies found these are among the ways nature supports learning (Kuo et al., 2019).
Self-regulation and social skills. A 2022 review of nature-based early childhood programs for ages 2–7 found links with stronger self-regulation, social skills, and play with peers (Johnstone et al., 2022).
Strong, coordinated bodies. Uneven ground, logs, and slopes invite children to move. Nature-based early learning is linked to less time sitting still and better balance (Johnstone et al., 2022).
Confidence through healthy challenge. Climbing, balancing, and exploring let children test their own limits. Play spaces that allow some challenge are tied to more active play, social interaction, creativity, and resilience (Brussoni et al., 2015).
Healthy habits for healthy eyes. In children ages 6 and up, more hours outdoors each week is linked to a lower risk of becoming nearsighted (Ophthalmic Research, 2024). A love of the outdoors that starts early helps build that habit.
Grown-ups make a difference. Adults who care deeply for the natural world often trace it back to childhood time outdoors with a parent, grandparent, or other trusted adult who shared their own delight in it (Chawla, 2007).
Weekly themes
| Week | Date | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Oct 30 | Creepy-Crawly Spiders |
| Week 2 | Nov 6 | Meet the Hackberry |
| Week 3 | Nov 13 | A Log’s Life |
| Week 4 | Nov 20 | Seed Collectors |
| Week 5 | Dec 4 | Feathered Friends |
| Week 6 | Dec 11 | Falling Leaves |
| Week 7 | Dec 18 | Hello, Winter! |
No class on November 27 (Thanksgiving).
Ages: 2–5
Location: 1529 E. Hebron Pkwy., Carrollton, TX 75010. The exact outdoor meeting spot will be emailed to you once enrollment is complete.
Pricing
| Full series (7 classes) | $175 ($25 per class) |
| Drop-in | $30 per class |
| Each additional sibling | $15 per class (series or drop-in) |
Payment: Please send payment by Zelle to newheightslearningcenter@gmail.com. In the memo, include your child’s name and “Nature Class” (for example: Emma Lee – Nature Class).
Registration: To complete registration, sign up through our website and submit payment. Your child’s spot is confirmed once both steps are complete. Spots are not held until payment is received. If the class is full, you’ll be added to the waitlist and contacted if a spot opens. Registration stays open all season while spots remain; series registrations after the first class are prorated at $25 per remaining class. Drop-ins may register as late as the morning of class if a spot is available.
Class size: Limited to 15 children. Siblings ages 2 and up may join when registered at the sibling rate. Babies who stay in a carrier are welcome at no charge.
What to wear: Dress in layers and wear clothes that can get muddy. Closed-toe shoes are required.
What to bring: Grown-ups are welcome to bring their own seating, such as a cushion, blanket, or folding chair.
Weather: Class is canceled when dangerous weather is in the forecast. If we cancel, we’ll email you at least one hour before class begins, so please check your email before each class. Make-up classes are not offered.
Questions: Email newheightslearningcenter@gmail.com or call or text (918) 853-2850.