Nature Matters ACADEMY
Nature Matters Academy helps kids develop critical thinking and self-regulation skills so they can turn any experience into an opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun.
Real Experiences.
Real Learning.
Real Fun.
We believe that kids are more capable than they know...
or that we give them credit for.
We guide and mentor kids to discover the world around them (and their place in it) through hands-on, real-world experiences. We build their confidence so they know their value and what they are capable of.
We believe in REAL experiences where kids are challenged to fail-forward
We know that kids (and adults!) learn more from mistakes than from getting things right the first time. And as scientists, we know that "right" is a subjective term that means you're probably only learning to memorize facts or follow instructions.
We create a failure-positive environment that empowers kids to grow in the face of challenges.
We believe that a child's education should be as unique as they are.
We are not your ordinary STEM/STEAM experience. So if ordinary is what you're looking for, keep surfing the net.
We think outside the box of traditional education by getting kids outside, having REAL experiences, and learning by doing.
We believe that extraordinary children can reach higher, learn deeper, and do better...
with the help of a caring and patient adult.
We create extraordinary experiences which attract extraordinary parents and teahers. We inspire smart, gifted, and twice exceptional kids to reach higher by engaging them in what they're interested in and teaching them to think critically.
We believe that critical thinking skills are vital to our kids' future...
and the best way to learn those skills is by doing - by solving real-world problems through fun projects and experiences.
Through years of experience, we know that STEM/STEAM is the best approach for learning and practicing critical thinking.
We believe that self-regulation skills need to be taught and modeled
So many of our kids are packed-full of potential, but they are often held back by a lack of self-awareness or self-regulation.
We have a unique approach that builds kids' critical thinking and STEM skills while helping them learn to self-regulate. Our smart, gifted, or twice exceptional kids will do amazing things in this world, we just need to give them the skills they need to reach their potential - self regulation is vital to their success.
DR. JENNY Lloyd-Strovas
I'm a biologist, researcher, and educator.
I created Nature Matters Academy because I wanted a high-quality STEAM curriculum that would help my kids develop critical thinking skills while also helping them to regulate their focus, hyperactivity, sensory needs, and impulses.
As I began implementing the lessons at home with my kids, I saw what a difference it made in their learning and attention. They were excited to do the activities and they were able to focus in a way they never could with books and worksheets.
Then I began hosting classes in my community where I found that kids with all abilities (ADHD, Autsim, Sensory Processing Disorder, etc.) were able to learn and focus at similar levels with other kids. Nature calmed them. I saw that the kids who were behind in their academics easily matched (or even surpassed) their peers in nature-based STEAM classrooms.
Nature is a powerful tool for learning! That's why everything we do has an outdoor learning component and all our lessons can be done outside.
Now other teachers are providing Nature Matters Academy for their K-12 students and out-of-school-time programs. It's flexible enough that teachers and parents can put their own spin on the lessons and help their kids develop a sense of place.
Teachers, students, and parents are loving the opportunity to get outside, develop critical thinking skills, and have the opportunity to self-regulate in nature!
OUTSIDE the Box of Traditional Learning
"My kids and I love Nature Matters Academy! It incorporates STEM concepts and allows the kids to explore and learn outside - outside 'the box' of a traditional classroom."
-Nature Matters Academy Parent
Builds LIFE Skills
"Nature Matters Academy increases respect for nature, encourages curiosity, and builds skills in the real world instead of just reading from a textbook. These skills encourage my kids to think, explore, and draw conclusions on their own. What great skills for life!"
- Nature Matters Academy Parent
Flexible & Relatable
"I love the flexibility that Dr. Jenny has incorporated into each lesson for teaching children of different ages and abilities. And I'm very thankful for the in-depth approach to learning about our own backyards and making it relatable to kids."
- Nature Matters Academy Teacher
Enough about us... How about you?
Are you a family looking do to fun and engaging activities with your kids?
The one thing that all of our families have in common is that the parents have a desire to learn with their kids. That's it! You don't have to know anything about science or nature. All you need is the desire to learn and we'll cover the rest. Learn about our family program by clicking here or on the "Parents" tab!
Are you a teacher wanting to learn outside with your students?
If you're the teacher who is constantly doing hands-on, engaging activities with your students, then Nature Matters Academy will fit seamlessly into your classroom. If you're the type of teacher who keeps critters in their classroom so students can learn directly from the source, then our lessons will be a great addition to what you're already doing in class. If you're a teacher who wants to get your class outside more often, then we provide you with the tools to do so! Learn more by clicking here or on our "Teachers" tab!
Are you an out-of-school-time provider looking for new and engaging learning opportunities for your kids?
The very nature of out-of-school-time programs make them a great fit for Nature Matters Academy. I'm sure you have sports, dance, art, and even STEM programs for your students. Our curriculum provides a vastly different option for your programming. If you're looking for something new and engaging that your students are sure to love, then try out our curriculum. Learn more by clicking here or on our "Teachers" tab!
ABOUT US
Nature Matters Academy provides curriculum and programs for parents and teachers. It was built for kids, with kids.
It works well anywhere - in the classroom (well, OUTSIDE the classroom), in out-of-school-time programs, and at home.
We're critical thinking. We're self-regulation. We're outdoors. We're STEAM. We're fun. We're hands-on. We're nature.
©2021 Copyrights by Nature Matters with Dr. Jenny, LLC. All Rights Reserved.