A Classroom Without Walls

*Click here for updates on our Covid Response for Big Trees

A day in our outdoor classroom:

• A musical circle time with rhythm, songs, and memorization
• Learning about the natural environment during guided nature hikes
• Nature-based arts and crafts 
• Unstructured play allowing kids to interact meaningfully with their peers and surroundings
• Balancing, climbing, jumping, running and a variety of gross motor skills activities
• Problem-solving and critical thinking through exploration and observation
• Children’s literature inspired by nature and the outdoors

Children learn to open their senses as they venture out on weekly guided nature walks throughout local nature preserves, city, and county parks. 

Topics and locations will vary from week to week, but are specifically designed for children ages 24 months to 8 years old. 

All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver at all times. Classes are held rain or shine, so weather-appropriate attire is strongly encouraged. 

Big Trees families are an extended part of the CCNS community and receive the following additional community benefits:

• Parent Education Speaker Nights
  • Past topics have included: setting boundaries, child nutrition, kindergarten readiness, positive parenting, importance of play
• Family Events
  • Back-to-School Social, Family Mini-Photo Sessions, Fall Festival, Winter Festival, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Spring Messy Art Day