What is the Small Wonders Program?

Small Wonders is a nature program rich in science content and rooted in imagination and experience.
Lessons are designed to foster a variety of developmentally appropriate skills for young children.
Small Wonders embraces the inherent sense of wonder and curiosity that young children bring to the world.
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Small Wonders creates opportunities for teachers to incorporate science discoveries, nature play, and investigations into lessons and activities.

Program Package

Teachers receive a list of lesson topics from which to choose those that align with their curriculum.  Teachers may select multiple lessons.

VINS Science Educators meet with teachers to review the program goals and explore ways to effectively embed the Small Wonders program into their curriculum.
View Small Wonders Topics

Each Small Wonders lesson includes:

  • Ideas and strategies to incorporate nature play and discovery into curriculum 
  • An engaging, interactive puppet show to introduce the topic 
  • Song and movement connected to the topic 
  • A range of hands-on activities, investigations and nature play 
  • Opportunities to take the learning experience outside, depending on topic 
  • Touchable animal artifacts, depending on topic
Each VINS Science Educator has a Master of Education degree, is a Highly Qualified Teacher, and holds a teaching license in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Building Empathy Through Nature Play and Discovery