"Never be within doors when you can rightly be without."
This is perhaps the most famous summary of Charlotte Mason’s philosophy regarding children and nature.
She was passionate in her belief that regular, extended time in the great outdoors is essential for a child's development, and she placed a heavy emphasis on the parent's role during this time.
The Parent's Duty to Get Children Outside
(Explore)
Mason believed that parents must make outdoor life a daily priority, rather than an occasional luxury.
The Role of the Parent as a Silent Guide
(Slowing Down & Being Present)
Mason advised parents against turning outdoor time into a series of rigid, lectured school lessons. Instead, the parent should be an observer who occasionally directs attention, allowing the child to form a direct, personal relationship with nature.
Nature as a Child’s First Teacher
(Living Stories & Shared Memories)
She emphasised that the natural world provides the perfect foundation for future scientific and spiritual growth, facilitated by parental encouragement.
"We are all meant to be naturalists, each in his own degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plant and animal life and to care for none of these things."
If you have been meaning to start this habit of bringing your child outdoors but have been unsure of where to begin… this is your invitation to join us on Thursday mornings for us to journey alongside.
Our Parent and Child Nature Exploration classes are recommended to be attended by the same parent and child (aged below 3 years) over 4 consecutive classes.
This allows for our children to have our undivided attention while we spend time together in Nature.
At the moment, Parent and Child classes are only available on Thursday mornings from
9 am to 11 am.
Let a mom of two tell you about her experience in our Parent and Child class:
“I enjoyed the parent and child sessions more than I expected! I came in with the expectation that I was accompanying (my child), but I realised that I was also learning a lot - about the different plants, insects, birds and even random facts about how plants are named. To be honest, the sessions were quite healing for me too and I felt the inner child in me coming alive. I especially loved the selection of living books and read alouds - maybe also because the teachers read them so well! Since then I have been so inspired to read living books to (my child). I appreciated that the teachers brought a wide variety of books every week for me to browse and read too! I also like that class size is rather small, and each child gets the attention they need.”
Click here to explore Parent and Child Classes on Gentle Seeds’ IGS.
We will have two intakes in 2027 Term 1.
Kapok (7, 14, 21, 28 Jan)
Baobab (4, 11, 18, 25 Feb)
We named 2027 classes after trees you will find in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Join us on Thursdays and discover the stories behind these magnificent trees!
Quick Overview
Programme Days
Wednesdays, Saturdays
Time Slots
9:30am – 11:30am (2h)
3:30pm – 5:30pm (2h)
Ages
2–12 years old
Class Size
Group of 8 (Maximum 10)
Drop off only
Carpark A
Carpark B
Sessions
8 sessions over 8 weeks (1 make up included)
Sessions
8 sessions over 8 weeks (1 make up included)
Available Classes
Parent & Child Term Class (4 sessions)
Starts Jan 7, 2027
310 Singapore dollarsLoading availability...
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Parent & Child Term Class (4 sessions)
Starts Feb 4, 2027
310 Singapore dollarsLoading availability...
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Sign up for a Trial Class
If you're not ready to commit to a full term, do sign up for a trial class at any of our class locations!
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72 Singapore dollars
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2 hr
78 Singapore dollars
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80 Singapore dollars
FAQ
There would be a complimentary make up class at the end of every term, held on week 9. The schedule for the full term will be sent to you after slot confirmation!
No, as this is a drop off class. We highly encourage a swift drop off to ease any separation anxiety.
We recommend, if possible, committing to the full term for consistency. We have observed how children progress with consistent attendance and commitment. However, if there are dates you cannot make it and would prefer ad-hoc sessions instead, please let us know the dates, and we will accommodate.
An email with details – meeting point, packing list, attire to wear will be sent to you after a slot is secured (mostly after payment is made, the email will be sent to you 3 days before programme date).
We understand how daunting it must be if this is your child’s first drop-off. We definitely hope to pace with you and your child. We suggest you attend a trial class before committing to the term. During the class, you can tag along with us for the first 15-20 minutes to ease the child in. With every drop-off class, our teachers will send an update of the class along with photos to inform you of what happened.
Unfortunately not. However, we will issue you credits, which will be valid for 6 months. You can register for the next available programme.
Yes! A 10% discount is given when two siblings sign up for the term class together. Additionally, the 10% discount applies when you sign your child up for 2 classes or more in the same term. Use SIB10OFF at checkout to apply the promotion.
For Holiday Programmes, please view each programme's detailed page for available packages!
There is no need for your child to be toilet trained before joining our Nature Exploration class. We have children who wear diapers when they join us! Do inform us ahead of time so that we would keep a lookout for your child.
We worked with preschools, churches, bookstores and cafes. Feel free to drop us an email and we can explore possible opportunities.