program
philosophy
“A sense of curiosity is nature’s original school of education” –Smiley Blarton
Childhood is a time for exploration and curiosity. A time for imagination and sheer muddiness and messiness. With the mounting pressure on parents today, and their children, the pendulum is starting to shift towards a more back-to-basics approach to early childhood education. With this comes the rebirth of an old concept, the “Forest School”, or “Nature Class” in which children gain age-appropriate academic skills while exploring nature.
Nature enrichment classes are a supplemental form of education that take place entirely outdoors in a variety of natural settings. The outdoor classroom provides a platform for exploratory learning that allows children to build social and emotional skills, as well as resiliency to create a foundation for academic success. Wild Child offers a supportive, play-based environment where young children can explore, connect, and grow, complimenting their overall early childhood journey. Academics are naturally woven into exploratory learning to prepare children for their next adventure, whether it be in a conventional learning environment or homeschool setting. This program welcomes all families, including those planning to send their children to traditional elementary school, or those electing to homeschool their children during their early childhood years.
Foster realistic and relatable connections with nature
We will embrace the concept that nature is truly everywhere: from dandelions growing out of concrete cracks, to a towering mountain trail.
Build a sense of comfort in natural settings
Children will be encouraged to safely explore the habitats and ecosystems of the outdoor classroom by asking questions and seeking answers through play, experiments, and project-learning.
Understand our role as humans (both negative and positive) in ecosystems
Children will understand how their actions impact both the outdoor classroom, and in turn, the overall environment and will collaborate to solve local environmental issues.
Develop academic scaffolding to prepare for upper grades
Children will be introduced to age-appropriate academics through interactions and project-based learning in nature.
Program Goals
Classes-Now enrolling for the 26-27 school year
Preschool/TK Nature Class: Ages 4-5
Tues. and/or Thurs. from 9-12
1 or 2 Day Options
