NC Nature + Nurture

NC Nature + Nurture Our mission is to inspire a life long love of learning through purposeful-play.

Playing in the mud literally@makes you happier. Yup. It’s science.Mycobacterium vaccae is a microbe foundIn mud that tri...
12/10/2025

Playing in the mud literally@makes you happier. Yup. It’s science.

Mycobacterium vaccae is a microbe found
In mud that triggers the release of serotonin.

Interaction with animals (+ other critters in our day to day nature preschool) expands + compounds empathy. These intera...
12/04/2025

Interaction with animals (+ other critters in our day to day nature preschool) expands + compounds empathy.

These interactions help them recognize + respond to non-verbal cues, understand the needs of others, and develop a sense of responsibility. They learn to interpret an animal’s body language to gauge its feelings, practice putting another’s needs before their own, and build emotional intelligence that translates to better social skills with people.

This responsibility + connection fosters compassion and can lead to more empathetic behavior in other areas of their lives.

it is my belief that we are using these foundational early learning years to teach all the wrong things. Preschool aged kids don’t need to memorize letters + numbers. Reading + math will still happen without this early rush to know everything as soon as possible. Research shows this time and time again.

Empathy, caring for others, social intelligence, emotional regulation… These are critical foundational skills that create a solid foundation for a connected + HAPPY life. Research and long term studies on happiness prove this now.

So…What is holding us back from following current research for early foundational learning? Nothing. It starts now. With us. You choose.

The cold rain this week didn’t slow these guys down one bit! Known what does slow them down? Me + Ms Analee making sure ...
12/04/2025

The cold rain this week didn’t slow these guys down one bit!

Known what does slow them down? Me + Ms Analee making sure they change their wet gloves and socks throughout the day! 😆

Kids are so resilient and tough. We see these amazing kids out here each day, all year, through every season, in many weather conditions.

And guess what? They. Don’t. Care. They don’t mind the cold, wet days. They don’t mind the hot, humid days. They don’t mind the wind blowing, or the rain falling, or the muddy grass, or the deep puddles.

They love being outside. In all weather. It’s been my experience that the weather days we (adults) think will be the hardest for them, they seem to have the most fun!

Kids are amazing, resilient, and open minded. So, let us lead them outside in all (safe) weather conditions. Let us remember what they already all seem to know: all seasons are beautiful + joyful.

Chickens!!!! We have finally began to visit our chickens and learn all about these incredible birds. Today we talked abo...
12/03/2025

Chickens!!!!

We have finally began to visit our chickens and learn all about these incredible birds.

Today we talked about building trust and being kind to our chickens. (Our chickens had a coop invasion a couple of months ago and we lost two chickens / and had 2 injured. They are working their way out of trauma).

We talked about using quite + calm tones, not chasing the chickens to touch them, and allowing them to come to us.

We offered cranberries, a large pumpkin, and some bird feed to them as we work to build their trust in us and let them know we are safe.

Everyone took this very seriously. We are so proud of how gentle, calm, and kind of this group was to our chickens!

Frost!! We had a beautiful sunny day exploring all the things the frost changed this morning. Our blocks were stuck toge...
12/03/2025

Frost!!

We had a beautiful sunny day exploring all the things the frost changed this morning.

Our blocks were stuck together, the plants were so fancy, the tables turned white, and our kitchen sinks were filled with ice!

We have been taking for a couple of weeks about Gratitude with our group. What it is, what it feels like, what we are al...
11/20/2025

We have been taking for a couple of weeks about Gratitude with our group. What it is, what it feels like, what we are all grateful to have in our lives.

They all came up with so many things to be grateful for. We talked about how gratitude warms us like the sun, and then each student made a unique lists of things that make them feel warm and happy (grateful).

I always love what I do, but this week my cup has been overflowing with love and gratitude.

Love and gratitude for this beautiful community, for these amazing kids, for the days I am privileged to spend with them, for their supportive and loving families, and for an extraordinary teacher to walk with me through these incredible days full of adventure, exploration, and joy.

I am overjoyed to be calling this my profession - because each day is MAGIC.

I am so grateful. 💕

Today we had our Gratitude/Thanksgiving celebration + feast!
11/20/2025

Today we had our Gratitude/Thanksgiving celebration + feast!

Such a kind surprise today!! We are so grateful for this incredible + supportive community! Thank you!!
11/18/2025

Such a kind surprise today!!

We are so grateful for this incredible + supportive community!

Thank you!!

Creating cupcakes and cakes with sawdust, rocks, chalk, sea shells, acorns, and leaves! This fun activity engaged sensor...
11/17/2025

Creating cupcakes and cakes with sawdust, rocks, chalk, sea shells, acorns, and leaves!

This fun activity engaged sensory and motor skills, boosted critical thinking and imagination, incorporated teamwork, and left room for so much conversation between friends (social + emotional growth, as well as communication).

Kids learn best through play.

They thrive when they can combine their curiosity and creativity with movement and imagination.

There is so much research available now on the benefits of play and imagination for kids. There are better ways to learn in early childhood than sitting… and memorizing.

So… let’s follow the research.

Let them learn through play. Exploration. Joy. Curiosity. Movement. Connection.

Let’s demand a better - and more appropriate - eduction of our kids. It’s starts with you. And me. Let’s make change that matters. Let’s change the world. One small class at a time. Then a community. Then another and another... then… the world! 💕

Tea party!
11/17/2025

Tea party!

Family Hike + Hang day! We are so grateful for this incredible community! It’s truly incredible to have our families he...
11/13/2025

Family Hike + Hang day!

We are so grateful for this incredible community!

It’s truly incredible to have our families here with us one day each month to experience the changing seasons with us, and to get a glimpse of the magic and adventure of our school days.

These family days are filled with so much joy, connection, and energy! WE LOVE IT!!

THANK YOU FAMILIES! 💕

Fall! Leaves!! Yay!!!
11/13/2025

Fall!

Leaves!!

Yay!!!

Address

9900 Horton Road
New Hill, NC
27562

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 1pm
Tuesday 9am - 1pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm
Thursday 9am - 1pm
Friday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+19196085864

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when NC Nature + Nurture posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to NC Nature + Nurture:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category