Our Philosophy
We rely on nature and core routines to guide our time together. Lessons will flow organically from how nature presents itself each day for interest-led play and exploration. By returning to our “place” each session, the children get to know their boundaries in the forest as well as the changes occurring in nature. Over time, the children develop a kinship with the place and a desire to take care of the land and its inhabitants.
-
Play
Children learn best given unstructured time for interest-led and imaginative play. Choice is given to the children to explore, engage in risky play and connect with nature. Time demands are not placed on the children while outside. Instead, the schedule of the day flows organically from what nature presents and the children’s interest.
-
Guided Discovery
Children are innately curious. Educators’ roles are one of passionate and playful co-learners who share their sense of wonder and awe. They are observers who ask open-ended questions, engage intentionally, and encourage connection with one another to create a caring and nurturing culture.
-
Nature
Nature is our primary setting where the changing seasons, loose parts of the forest, and natural landscape comprise our unique classroom. Embedded in our emergent curriculum are the core routines of sharing gratitude, sit spot, story of the day and sensory awareness activities.