NATURE-BASED LEARNING

Bell Creek Nature School believes in the value of nature-based learning. We combine academic lessons with nature immersion, play, exploration, and social interaction.

Ever try to get your three- or four-year-old to sit still long enough to tie their shoes? This challenge isn’t unique. Kids of this age yearn for the outdoors; to run, explore, and get their hands dirty. At Bell Creek Nature School, we embrace this spirit and harness it to teach an appreciation for the outdoors and a love of learning through an interest-led curriculum. When a child discovers an interest in something, this is the time to pursue it and encourage them! This interest-based approach fosters a love for education at an early age.

Kids at Bell Creek Nature School spend every day outside; rain or shine. A little bit of mud doesn’t slow us down! On days when the weather may seem unfavorable to some, we typically have the most fun and are presented with learning opportunities that we would otherwise miss out on while staying indoors. Nature provides a never-ending source of education as the seasons change. Nature hikes, arts & crafts, yoga, and gardening are a few of the fun daily activities that provide opportunities to learn about science, math, writing, as well as cooperation and problem solving.

PROVEN CURRICULUM

This nature- and interest-led approach has been developed from a decade of teaching experience. After experiencing the traditional, indoor approach to preschool education, our founder and lead teacher, Julie, took it upon herself to develop a new approach. Borrowing from the centuries-old European tradition of outdoor schooling, Julie founded a wildly successful nature school in Utah. We’re now very excited to expand this approach at our new home in Deming, WA!

“When I visited this school I observed children intellectually engaged in learning about the world around them. Julie is a wonderful teacher. She is very caring, passionate and intelligent. I highly recommend this school.”

Lacey Sessions

For the past three years, Emery’s school days have been full of learning opportunities, challenges that required creative problem-solving, and plenty of laughs. We are grateful to Julie for always encouraging curiosity and cooperation among the students; her experience and gentle approach with children let us know we could trust her to always provide a safe, adventurous, and loving environment for our little girl. It is in part thanks to her that we have an inquisitive, confident, and resilient student preparing for first grade.

Flo and Justin

“Our kids have both loved nature school! For the past 4 years they wake up so excited on school days ♡ The teachers do such a great job of guiding students to appreciate & respect each other and all of nature while keeping it fun with nonstop activities & adventure!”

Stefanie Harrington

“Putting our two kids in the nature school is one of the best decisions we’ve made. They have both loved it, and are always excited to come home, and tell us what they did at school. They’ve both made friends, and adore their teachers who you can tell truly love the kids. This school allows kid to be kid, and explore the world all while learning new things.”

Shannon Nelson-Wardell

I appreciate Julie’s patience and philosophy and am glad that our children are getting a different perspective this early in life.

My favorite thing? The kids set the pace. There are no deadlines or pressure to learn things- they do it through play and at their readiness. What a great way to set your kids up for a successful life- teach them that it is okay to slow down when they are naturally geared to be running around at warp speed.

Lisa B.