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Imagine a school without walls. The trees would serve as pillars, while the sky would be its ceiling. My Spanish Village Walnut Canyon preschools embrace this concept. The nature-based programs of these schools are making a big impact, encouraging children to learn from exploration and play outside.

Imagine: children wearing rainboots, trampling through puddles as they giggle at the sight of worms moving in soil. This is not a normal preschool day. Here, children learn amidst the sounds of chirping and rustling birds. The fresh air is both a literal and figurative breath of new life for children and educators.

Outdoor learning does not just mean playing in the field or climbing trees. It is about engaging with all your senses. Children can feel and smell the earthy scent of a rain shower or the rough bark on an oak tree. These experiences don't just provide entertainment; they are also rich in educational value.

Let's take Jane as an example. Timmy's mother, Jane, always had an energetic son who was like a mini tornado in the family living room. Traditional classrooms felt confining for him. Jane enrolled Timmy, a young boy with autism, in Walnut Creek's nature-based pre-school. The space he was given to play and explore freely to his heart's desire, all while absorbing math and scientific lessons through hands-on experiences, changed everything.

Also, these schools develop social skills in a very natural way (pun meant). Kids aren't just playing when they collaborate to build a tree fort, or find a way to get through a muddy patch.

There are always challenges. Weather can change suddenly. A sudden downpour will send people scurrying to shelters made of tarps, branches and other materials. These moments help children to learn resilience. Life can be unpredictable, but you have to adapt and keep on going.

Teachers at these pre-schools don many hats: educator one moment; storyteller the next weaving tales about woodland animals; guide leading young explorers on bug-hunts another. They are the modern Pied Piper, without the flute. (And hopefully without any rats.)

Quite rightly, parents are concerned about safety. While these schools create safe environments, where children can roam free while staying out of harm's reach, they also prioritize creating a secure environment.

Why should you choose outdoor education? Because it fosters curiosity! It ignites imaginations better than any TV screen ever could. Children are full of questions. How does the water turn into ice? The entire world becomes their text book with endless chapters just waiting to be found!

Plus, there are proven benefits to spending time outdoors. Nothing boosts the mood like kites soar against a blue sky. Who doesn't also love the smell of pine needles when they return home instead of crayons or paint?

Walnut Creek's options are fantastic if you want to explore an alternative for your child's education, one rooted among the redwoods instead of inside four walls.

People, in essence the forest is one big classroom outside of our doors waiting for eager minds that are willing to venture beyond concrete boundaries into realms filled with wonder.