619-653-5097
ABOUT US
Hello, welcome to LearnersByNature! My name is Selene Gomez and I am married to my high school sweetheart Oscar Gomez. My husband and I are both experienced educators since 2007. I have a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Oscar is Montessori certified by NASC North American Montessori Center. We have two beautiful girls; since they were babies we knew we wanted to homeschool them and offer them an alternative way of education in which they can run free and learn based on their own interests. Since 2015, my husband and I saw the need of learning with nature in an outdoor environment. Therefore, in 2016 we created an outdoor classroom for our girls and the community of Chula Vista. LearnersByNature is committed to making a difference in the lives of children all throughout the Southbay area of San Diego county. We provide children an opportunity to reach their fullest potential through our wide range of outdoor activities. Learn more about what we do and see how we impact our community by teaching our children outdoors.
Our mission is to offer our children a Relaxed and Eclectic Outdoor Classroom and to inspire Endless Possibilities of Learning everywhere they go. At LearnersByNature, we believe that children are the very essence of the future and the environment in which they learn is crucial to inspire their curiosity. Our goal is to instill the love for learning, teach them the fundamentals of social responsibility and help build lifelong friendships in our community.
LearnersByNature offers a Relaxed and Eclectic Science program for children ages 4 years old and up.
We utilize our local city parks, Balboa Park, National parks, and hiking trails in our beautiful San Diego County ( mainly in the Southbay area) as our classroom.Teachers: Oscar and I will be teaching the science lesson. We follow Reggio Emilia Approach; the teacher, parent and child are all collaborators in the process of learning. At LearnersByNature, we provide our children with the skills they need to thrive in society. From our Field Trips to our Enrichment Activities, we make learning fun.
Our Classes
Summer Class
Spanish Immersion, Science Experiments, Arts&Crafts, and Games!
Monday- Thursday $15 hourly rate
10am- 3 pm
Imperial Beach
Attend as little as 2 hrs a week as much as all day (5 hrs)
Fall & Spring
Sessions are offered on Monday- Friday (2 Hrs)
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
General Rhythm of the Day:
10:30 Greetings
10:45 Read a Story about the Topic
11:00 Explore
11:30 Journal/ Activity
12:00 Snack/Lunch
12:30 Departure
*Siblings 50% off
Siblings 3 and under are free to tag along.
A $5 material fee is required when the sibling participates and is not enrolled.
--Parents can stay or drop off student.
Fall & Spring Rates
Monthly - Per Session
1 x a week 4 classes- $120
1 x a week 5 classes- $150
In every session we will explore nature at a specific location related to our topic with a creative science curriculum.
We will study exciting science topics such as real Caterpillars, Butterflies, Plant Life Cycle, Spring Pond and many more!
Science Journals will be provided to document all of the interesting findings.
We strive to maintain a ratio of no more than 12 students per class.
Why is the Classroom Outdoors?
There are tremendous benefits learning in an outdoor environment.
1. Nature plays an important role in the cognitive, creative, physical, emotional and social development of young children.
2. Promotes creativity and Problem Solving Skills.
3- Decreases Stress Levels.
4. Hands on learning.
5. Children who spend time in nature are healthier, can think more clearly and have the ability to cope more efficiently with stress.
6.Learn to respect others, self and the living earth.
7. Children can be free without walls.
8. Increase Immune Function
9. Better Sleep
These are just to name a few but the list goes on and on.
Our Teaching Methods: Relaxed and Eclectic
MONTESSORI THEORY, REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH AND STEM
The “Eclectic Approach” refers to a teaching approach that is not based on a single method. It incorporates a variety of principles and philosophies. We combine Montessori Theory, Reggio Emilia Approach and STEM activities.
The Key Principles of Montessori Theory are: Independence, Observation, Following the Child, Guiding the Child, Prepared Environment, Absorbent Mind.
The Key Principles of Reggio Emilia philosophy: THE CHILD- Children pursue their own interests and revisit and build upon ideas at their own pace. THE ENVIRONMENT- “Their 3rd teacher” free access to stimulating resources in outdoor spaces. THE TEACHER- Teachers are encourage to observe children rather than direct them.
STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and it prepares the next generation of innovators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to be present at all times?
A. No- Parent Participation is welcome and drop off is optional.
Q. Are classes cancelled due to extreme weather?
A. Yes.. if it’s too hot 🥵 or too cold 🥶 or if lightning is present, we will reschedule the class or refund the class paid.
Q. Are siblings welcome to join the classes?
A. Yes they are ..... children 3 and under are welcome but materials will only be provided for the child enrolled. A $5 material fee is required when the sibling participates and is not enrolled.
Q. Do you give a sibling discount?
A. Yes... 50% Only when enrollment is payed out of pocket for more than 1 child enrolled who is 4-12 year olds. Note: When enrollment is payed thru a charter school sibling discount is no longer available.
Q. Where do classes take place?
A. The location/ park will be announced in private message or by email for safety reasons.
Q. Is the program offered all year long?
A. Yes! Spring classes are offered March- May
Summer classes are offered June- August
Fall classes are offered September- December.
Q. If I missed a class can we receive a make up class?
A. No make up classes are offered.
Q. What do I need to take to each class?
A. Water bottle
Snack/Lunch
In clothing to be ready to play and be messy.
Q. When is the payment due and how?
A. Payment is due the first class of the month or it can be prorated if join in the middle of the month, Cash/Apple Pay/Venmo/ PayPal are acceptable methods of payment.
Parent Resources
Waiver of Release of Liability (I will email)
