Programs for Early Childhood (Preschool and Kindergarten)
Hands-on Exploration for the Youngest Nature Enthusiasts!
Our interactive education programs for early childhood are the perfect introduction to the great outdoors! Designed specifically for Preschool and Kindergarten classrooms, these age-appropriate, nature-based courses foster young children’s curiosity about the world around them using puppets, natural history biofacts, and tactile props. Courses feature a variety of live animals, trail exploration, songs, crafts, experiments, games, and dramatic play.
O - Outreach option. This class can take place in your classroom.
F – Fieldtrip option. This class can take place at the Norman Bird Sanctuary.
B - Fieldtrip at Third Beach Education Center
Program Choices
Let’s Be Sensible – Join us as we use our five senses to explore the natural world! Some of our favorite animal friends will help us to discover how animals (including us humans!) use each sensational sense to survive in their environment. (O,F)
Nature Discovery Walk – Take part in a hands-on discovery of NBS habitats! We’ll break out the bug boxes and nets as we explore the Sanctuary’s field, forest, or pond. You never know what we might encounter along the way! (F)
Meet the Animals – Have you ever wanted to look eyeball to eyeball with a snake, or touch a turtle’s shell? Now’s your chance! This interactive class features the Sanctuary’s special “animal ambassadors” as students learn all about the amazing animal groups. (O,F)
Bird Brains – What makes a bird a bird? We’ll get to know our feathered friends through discovery activities, investigating bird biofacts, and students will even get to dress up one of their classmates! (O,F)
MiniBeasts – Spiders and insects, oh my! Get to know our six- and eight-legged friends with the help of games, crafts, costumes, and a special visit from one of NBS' animal ambassadors. (O,F)
Metamorphosis Puppet Show – Norman, a Rhode Island Red Rooster, discovers that his friend, the hungry caterpillar, will soon change into a butterfly. Join Norman and friends as they learn about the mysterious process of metamorphosis during this amusing, interactive puppet show. Following the show, students will engage in imaginative play to better understand life cycle changes (O,F)
Animals, Art and Adventure - A nature story will take you on an adventure without leaving the classroom, or choose to come to NBS for an adventure on our trails or at the beach. Whether in class or at NBS, this program will feature a live animal and animal themed craft to round out the fun. With a variety of nature stories available, this is a great way to introduce or conclude a classroom unit. (O,F,B)
Getting Ready for Winter – Brrr... It’s getting cold outside! Discover how Rhode Island’s plants and animals prepare for the change in seasons. We’ll meet an animal or two, play games, and much more! October - December only. (O,F)
Sea Life Safari - Discover the wonders of Narragansett Bay with this age-appropriate introduction to beach ecology. We'll sweep the shore for interesting discoveries, meet some of the animals that live in the ocean, and even learn about the sand beneath our feet. Animals, experiments, and active games are included in this fun-filled beach adventure. (B)
Pricing and Scheduling Options
Field Trip Programs (at NBS): Each one hour program is $7 per student. One teacher or chaperone will be admitted free for every 6 children, Additional chaperones are $5 each. Book multiple field trips and save: $6 per student for 2nd field trip, and $5 per student for additional field trips.
In-School Outreach Programs: Each 45 minute program is $100 for up to 30 students. To book the same program multiple times during the same visit, the cost is $75 for each presentation. (All classes must be the same program choice to receive the discounted rate.) An added travel fee of $35 is charged for outreach visits outside of Newport County.
Scholarships may be available for qualified schools; please call Rachel Holbert at 401-846-2577 ext. 33 for more information.
Please click here for more information about scheduling a fieldtrip or outreach program with NBS.
Best of Newport County 2012
