Curriculum
Our Approach to Learning
We firmly believe that child led learning IS learning at its best. We are merely there to guide their curisoty and engage with them as they explore the world around them. This does not mean that we do not have developmental goals in mind as we explore. Instead, we take the opportunity to expand our childrens knowledge by incorporating questions and initiating conversations that are focused to allow developmentally appropriate skills to be learned. This includes physical, emotional, cognitive, motor, and language skills. Simply put, we combine the benefits of nature with imaginative play that leads to enhanced learning and development so our children can thrive now and in the future!
.jpg)
Role of Nature
Daily activities are centered around nature, and incorporate natural environments and materials to enhance environmental literacy. This includes plants, animals, and natural features of our surroundings.
Focus on Outdoor Learning
Our program incorporates regular opportunities for learning outdoors in natural spaces. We make every effort to spend a majority of our time together outdoors. We take into consideration the weather during various seasons and will utilize our indoor space as needed.
Child Led and Play Based
Children direct daily learning opportunities through interests and exploration in nature. Teachers follow a daily routine to present a variety of experiences that will maximize learning, and allow for flexibility as needed.
Core Routines
-
Welcome/Goodbye Song
Exploring our creativity while we sing original and traditional songs to invite nature to welcome us, to offer our gratitude to nature and to incorporate body movement
-
Sit Spots
A place in nature that we frequently visit to form an intimate connection where we are still and quiet to observe and listen to nature and animals and feel part of the natural world
-
Story Telling
An opportunity for us to share our experiences in nature from the day to help us grow our sensory awareness and build collective knowledge
Develop a connection with the land by interacting and practicing survival skills using nature
-
Survival Living
Welcome/Goodbye Song
Exploring our creativity while we sing original and traditional songs to invite nature to welcome us, to offer our gratitude to nature and to incorporate body movement
Loose Parts
Utilizing random items with no defined purpose and infinite opportunities for creativity and developmental skills
Foraging
Collecting items from nature for further scientific exploration including plants, rocks, and other random finds
Wild Crafting
Harvesting nature finds and discovering alternative uses, including painting, building, drawing and more
Animal Adventures
Discovering our inner animal instincts through listening for, tracking and watching animals in their natural habitats
Provocations
Providing a variety of different objects for further exploration to enhance experiences and inspire imagination
