Nature Explorers – Preschool Lesson Plan
Nature Explorers – Preschool Lesson Plan
Explore the wonders of the outdoors!
This engaging preschool lesson plan invites children to observe, question, and interact with the natural world through nature walks, bug hunts, leaf rubbings, and more. Aligned with NAEYC Standard 2: Curriculum and NYSPLS Domain 5: Science, this plan fosters curiosity, environmental awareness, and early science skills in a fun, developmentally-appropriate way.
✅ What's Included:
🌳 Full Lesson Plan with Opening Circle, Nature Walk, Reflection, and Extension Activities
🔍 Observation Tracking Sheet – Aligned with PK.SCI.1–PK.SCI.4
✏️ Directions for Using the Tracking Sheet
🎯 Designed for preschool educators and childcare professionals. This is perfect for outdoor classrooms, nature-based preschools, and traditional settings looking to expand outdoor learning. A great way to introduce science standards through play and exploration!
📌 Skills Focused On:
Asking questions and making predictions
Using senses to explore the environment
Describing needs of living things
Observing differences in nature
🔒 Licensed for single-organization use
Disclaimer: All Youth Development Pro training resources are intended for educational use by youth development professionals, educators, and program leaders. These guides are designed to support staff in navigating activities, behaviors, and sensitive conversations with young people in camps, afterschool programs, schools, and similar group settings.
While these materials include strategies for building social-emotional skills and team engagement, they are not a substitute for legal advice, mental health diagnosis, or therapeutic intervention. Facilitators should always follow their organization's policies, consult with supervisors as needed, and escalate any concerns requiring immediate attention to the appropriate authority.
Adult supervision is required for all activities involving children. Adapt all content based on the age, needs, and safety of your participants. Youth Development Pro and its affiliates are not responsible for how materials are interpreted or implemented in individual settings.
Always prioritize the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of both participants and staff.