Laura’s
Learn and Play Nature School LLC

My Nature Explore outdoor classroom extends far beyond the traditional dynamic of children and
teachers. It is a vibrant, living community that is alive with connection, creativity, and a shared love of
nature. While children are at the heart of learning that happens here, the circle widens to include
naturalists, neighbors, artists, musicians, storytellers, and families. This is not just a place where lessons are taught; it’s a place where relationships are nurtured, where curiosity is encouraged, and where the entire community is invited to engage with the natural world.

What sets my outdoor classroom apart is the way it dissolves the walls between education and
community. Nature becomes the common ground where people of all ages come together to learn, create, and connect. I’ve intentionally created an environment that welcomes diverse voices and experiences. Local naturalists and environmental educators join us to share their knowledge of the land, native plants, and wildlife. Storytellers share tales that spark the imagination, weaving a longstanding tradition into our learning experiences. Artists are invited to guide collaborative nature-inspired projects. These intergenerational and interdisciplinary connections enrich the children’s understanding of the world around them and model lifelong learning.

One of the most beloved aspects of the community-focused approach is the live music events I host each summer. These gatherings bring families, friends and the community together in celebration — not only of milestones or seasons, but of community itself. Music, much like nature, is a universal language. On these special days, the outdoor classroom is transformed into a joyful festival space, where the scent of wildflowers mingles with the sound of laughter and acoustic melodies. Children dance barefoot in the grass, parents connect with one another, and the outdoor space becomes a backdrop for shared memories. These events are intentionally woven into the rhythm of the year, often aligning with solstices, equinoxes, or seasonal changes. They serve as a reminder that learning doesn’t stop when the day ends or the lesson is over. It continues in conversation, in songs we sing, in the stories we tell, and the connections we build.

The classroom becomes a gathering place — a cultural hearth — where every voice matters. In many
ways, the outdoor classroom I’ve created is less of a place and more of an ecosystem — one in which
learning, culture, and the community are interconnected and continuously evolving. It is a place of wonder, collaboration, and rootedness. Here, nature is the teacher, community is the curriculum, and everyone is invited to take part in the magical learning journey.

Learn more about this classroom on their certification page!