Norman Bird Sanctuary > a 300+ acre wildlife refuge near Newport RI, offering over 7 miles of hiking trails.

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.

Click here to download our 2008-09 School Programs Brochure!

O - Outreach option. This class can take place in your classroom.
F – Fieldtrip option. This class can take place at the Norman Bird Sanctuary.

For additional options, please visit our Special Programs page!

Program Choices

Nature Detectives: What’s Your Cover? – Have you ever seen a feathered rabbit or a furry owl? From fur to feathers to scales, students will put on their detective hats to study five animal groups and compare their unique body coverings and other characteristics. (O,F)

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 – A hands-on discovery of NBS habitats! We’ll break out the bug boxes and nets as we explore the Sanctuary’s field, forest, and pond. Teachers can choose to focus on one ecosystem or all three. 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 games, experiments, and a special presentation with one of the Sanctuary’s live birds of prey! (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 our most “beastly” animals. (O,F)

Metamorphosis Puppet Show – Norman, a Rhode Island Red Rooster, discovers that his friend, the hungry caterpillar, will soon change into a butterfly. Hilarious hijinks ensue! Join Norman and friends as they learn about the mysterious process of metamorphosis through this hands-on presentation. (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. (F)

Getting Ready for Winter – Brrr, Rabbit! 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)

Pricing and Scheduling Options

Field Trip Programs (at NBS): One 45 minute program for $5 per student or a 1 hour program for $6 per student. Teachers and chaperones are free.

In-School Outreach Programs: One 45 minute program for a flat rate of $65 for up to 25 kids. For a one hour program, the rate is $75 for up to 25 kids. For multiple programs, it is $40 for each additional 45 minute program or $50 for each additional one hour program at the school during the same visit. (All classes must be the same program choice to receive the discounted rate.) An added travel fee of $25 is charged for outreach visits outside of Newport County.