Backyard Naturalists
Outdoor Homeschool Nature Classes
Small-group, hands-on nature exploration for curious kids.
Backyard Naturalists is a 6-week outdoor homeschool class designed to help children build a lasting connection with the natural world through exploration, observation, and discovery.
Each week, learners will step outside to investigate the world around them. From searching for tiny insects and studying native plants to exploring weather, habitats, and ecosystems, every class encourages children to slow down, ask questions, and experience nature with curiosity.
This isn't a traditional science class—and it isn't a live animal program.
Instead, Backyard Naturalists blends nature study, environmental education, simple STEM activities, games, journaling, and outdoor exploration into an engaging learning experience where children become active participants in discovering the world around them.
While Nature on the Geaux is known for live animal ambassadors, this class is intentionally different. Animal ambassadors may occasionally make a guest appearance when they naturally support the week's topic, but they are not the focus. The stars of this class are the woods, the insects, the birds, the plants, the weather, and the incredible ecosystems found right here in Louisiana.
What We'll Explore
Every session is built around a seasonal theme, so no two sessions are exactly alike. Topics may include:
Nature observation and naturalist skills
Insects, pollinators, and decomposers
Native plants, seeds, and trees
Habitats and ecosystems
Weather, water, and Louisiana wetlands
Food webs and ecological relationships
Nature journaling and scientific observation
Conservation and environmental stewardship
Activities may include:
Guided nature walks
Nature journaling
Outdoor science investigations
Hands-on STEM challenges
Scavenger hunts
Habitat exploration
Seasonal discoveries
Games and creative projects
Every class is designed to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and confidence outdoors.
Class Details
Ages: 5–10 years
Schedule: Tuesdays • 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Format: 6-week session
Maximum Class Size: 10 learners
Location: Outdoor classes are held at my home in Slidell, Louisiana. Occasionally, a class may meet at a nearby neighborhood park when a lesson is better suited for field exploration. Families will always be notified in advance.
Fall 2026 Session
Backyard Naturalists: Signs of Fall
September 15
September 22
September 29
October 6
October 13
October 20
Rain Date: October 27
As summer begins to fade, nature is full of change. Together we'll observe seasonal shifts, investigate insects and pollinators, explore plants and seeds, discover life beneath our feet, learn about Louisiana habitats, and develop the skills of a young naturalist through hands-on outdoor exploration.
What to Bring
Please send your child with:
Water bottle
Closed-toe shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
Hat or sunscreen if desired
A sense of curiosity!
Each learner will receive a Backyard Naturalists field journal to use throughout the session.
Weather
Backyard Naturalists is designed to be an outdoor experience, and we embrace a variety of weather conditions whenever it is safe to do so. Classes may continue in light rain or cooler temperatures, but severe weather, lightning, high winds, or other unsafe conditions will result in class being moved to the scheduled rain date.
Is Backyard Naturalists Right for My Child?
Backyard Naturalists is perfect for children who enjoy asking questions, exploring outdoors, noticing the little things, and learning through hands-on experiences. Whether your child already loves nature or is just beginning to discover it, this class provides a welcoming environment to build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
Join us as we slow down, look a little closer, and discover just how much nature has to teach us.
Tuition
$150 per child for the full 6-week session
$110 for each additional sibling
Tuition includes:
Six 90-minute outdoor classes
All hands-on activity materials
A Backyard Naturalist Field Journal for each learner
Guided nature journaling, outdoor investigations, STEM activities, and seasonal exploration
A small-group learning experience with a maximum of 10 learners
Backyard Naturalists is designed as a complete 6-week session, with each class building on the previous week's discoveries. For the best experience, families are encouraged to attend all six classes.
Register here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/261925841631156
