Play is the Curriculum for Success
Play is not a break from the curriculum; play is the best way to implement the curriculum." -Bev Bos
Conventional methods for teaching children involves worksheets, whiteboards, and homework, but the best method for children to learn is through play. In the process of exploring and imagining at Woodland Discovery, our teachers plan for daily experiences in seven areas: To move, discuss, observe, create, read, sing, and play.
These experiences take many forms at Woodland Discovery:
A morning forest preschool program
A morning forest adventure club for older students to supplement homeschool, on-line or partial schedule school learning
Afternoon Classes for home school students
Nature field trips
Learning workshops
All experiences are based on a multi-age approach to learning and mentoring. We are always striving to expand our classes and workshops for all ages based on requests from the community. We believe that most learning experiences can be enhanced by the outdoor environment.
Woodland Discovery has reflected on the obstacles to outdoor play and sought to minimize them.
For example, you cannot drop your children off at a public park and come back three hours later to pick them up. There would be dangers from strangers, physical accidents, or bullies. You might be accused of “neglect.” So Woodland provides supervision during play by a caring adult.
Teachers at Woodland Discovery value safety and respect for the environment and for others. They model appropriate social interactions between children. They value helping children assess risk, speak up, and solve problems. They understand that competence breeds independence and confidence. They understand child development and how to ask appropriate questions to lead children to outdoor discovery.
Woodland Discovery teachers also understand that experiential learning builds a firm foundation for future academic success.
Activities are in blocks of time that allow parents to complete other duties while children take a break from the virtual world and delve deeply into exploring the real world around us.