WOODLAND DISCOVERY FOREST PRESCHOOL
for ages 3 to 6
Woodland Discovery is please to provide an authentic Forest School approach to Preschool. Our "Nature Program" IS the program - not just a timed activity to be outside. Our program is based on the German model of Waldkindergartens, and we are totally committed to interest-led flow of learning, emergent curriculum, place-based focus, inquiry-based teaching, and authentic play. We believe that hands-on experiential learning is the best educational approach for children.
Being outdoors provides fresh air, encourages physical coordination, emotional strength, cognitive advances, thinking and reasoning skills, and social/relationship development. When children's natural curiosity is encouraged, learning flows organically from stimuli encountered in the outdoors. We encourage children to engage all their senses and increase their observation skills. The learning is child-led and teacher supported. We follow the natural rhythm of the seasons and curriculum emerges organically. The day's activities may resemble a Reggio Emelio approach to project learning, with some of the best practices also borrowed from Bev Bos - play based learning; Waldorf - skill learning approach; Creative curriculum - art and sensory experiences; and Montessori sequential learning.
Applications for the following school year are accepted beginning in January. You may print an application from this website or request one by email. All currently enrolled students get first choice of available spots for the following year, making their decision by April. Beginning in March, we will contact applicants to schedule a class visit with a current class. We will offer several Open House dates, or Family Free Play dates for those interested in learning more about us. Parents are notified by May of acceptance into the program. If parents and teachers both feel that Woodland Discovery is a good fit for your family, you will be asked to sign a Contract for Enrollment and pay a $60 deposit to secure your child's place.
CHILDREN MUST BE 3 YEARS OLD BY AUGUST 31 OF THE ATTENDANCE YEAR AND FULLY POTTY-TRAINED TO ATTEND.
A typical day may look like this:
Gathering - We gather inside with activities to engage children as they arrive and separate from parents. This may include manipulatives, sensory activities, reading, building, pre-writing activities, or feeding the pets.
Opening - We gather in a circle time to discuss the days activities, and talk about any background information for the day. This time may also include singing and reading stories.
Outdoor Exploration - We head outside to explore the many play areas. The Harris Lake property uniquely contains a wide variety of ecosystems, including pond, creek, wetlands, woods, meadow, and gardens. Sometimes this time expands and encompasses the majority of the day.
Snack - We encourage healthy food choices in a snack brought from home. Any additional snack offered is approved by parents of children with food allergies or restrictions. Occasional wild seasonal foraged foods supplement snack.
Activity - This time is often spent in a group game, activity, dramatization or art experience.
Reflection - This time allows children to reflect on the days activities, make plans for the next day, and practice literacy skills in recording our day.
for ages 3 to 6
Woodland Discovery is please to provide an authentic Forest School approach to Preschool. Our "Nature Program" IS the program - not just a timed activity to be outside. Our program is based on the German model of Waldkindergartens, and we are totally committed to interest-led flow of learning, emergent curriculum, place-based focus, inquiry-based teaching, and authentic play. We believe that hands-on experiential learning is the best educational approach for children.
Being outdoors provides fresh air, encourages physical coordination, emotional strength, cognitive advances, thinking and reasoning skills, and social/relationship development. When children's natural curiosity is encouraged, learning flows organically from stimuli encountered in the outdoors. We encourage children to engage all their senses and increase their observation skills. The learning is child-led and teacher supported. We follow the natural rhythm of the seasons and curriculum emerges organically. The day's activities may resemble a Reggio Emelio approach to project learning, with some of the best practices also borrowed from Bev Bos - play based learning; Waldorf - skill learning approach; Creative curriculum - art and sensory experiences; and Montessori sequential learning.
Applications for the following school year are accepted beginning in January. You may print an application from this website or request one by email. All currently enrolled students get first choice of available spots for the following year, making their decision by April. Beginning in March, we will contact applicants to schedule a class visit with a current class. We will offer several Open House dates, or Family Free Play dates for those interested in learning more about us. Parents are notified by May of acceptance into the program. If parents and teachers both feel that Woodland Discovery is a good fit for your family, you will be asked to sign a Contract for Enrollment and pay a $60 deposit to secure your child's place.
CHILDREN MUST BE 3 YEARS OLD BY AUGUST 31 OF THE ATTENDANCE YEAR AND FULLY POTTY-TRAINED TO ATTEND.
- We offer multi-age classes 5 days a week from 9:00-12:00; with some flexibility for parents dropping off multiple children.
- Parents may choose the days that best fit their schedule and their child's needs. You may choose between 1 and 5 days; although 3 year olds generally do not attend more than 3 days per week, 4 year olds may attend up to 4 days and 5 year olds may attend up to 5 days.
- Our class sizes are small with a 6:1 student:teacher ratio.
- School calendar runs from Labor Day to Memorial Day .
A typical day may look like this:
Gathering - We gather inside with activities to engage children as they arrive and separate from parents. This may include manipulatives, sensory activities, reading, building, pre-writing activities, or feeding the pets.
Opening - We gather in a circle time to discuss the days activities, and talk about any background information for the day. This time may also include singing and reading stories.
Outdoor Exploration - We head outside to explore the many play areas. The Harris Lake property uniquely contains a wide variety of ecosystems, including pond, creek, wetlands, woods, meadow, and gardens. Sometimes this time expands and encompasses the majority of the day.
Snack - We encourage healthy food choices in a snack brought from home. Any additional snack offered is approved by parents of children with food allergies or restrictions. Occasional wild seasonal foraged foods supplement snack.
Activity - This time is often spent in a group game, activity, dramatization or art experience.
Reflection - This time allows children to reflect on the days activities, make plans for the next day, and practice literacy skills in recording our day.
