FOREST SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Our preschool program blends the Forest School philosophy with a play-based, constructivist approach for an emergent curriculum that adapts to children’s interests — all while immersed in the outdoors. Unlike a one-time nature visit, Forest School is a long-term process of regular, year-round sessions in natural environments.
Forest School is rooted in building strong relationships between children and the natural world. With low teacher-to-child ratios, our two Pre-K Forest School classrooms create space for curiosity, connection, and growth. Teachers act as collaborators and lifelong learners alongside the children, modeling resilience, inquiry, and respect for the earth. Guided by the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam — repairing and caring for the world — children also build 21st-century skills and strengthen executive function. Our Forest School classrooms are run by qualified practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
Forest School aims to promote children’s holistic development, fostering resilient, confident, independent, and creative learners.
- Collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity
- Emotional awareness, cognitive flexibility, perseverance, reflection, focus, and attention
- Ecological awareness
- Task initiations, working memory, and independence
VIEW THE SUGGESTED GEAR LIST HERE
FOREST SCHOOL CLASSROOM
Forest School is a Pre-K classroom, simply moved outside. Children explore natural elements, develop a sense of place, and engage in early literacy, science, and outdoor skills — with nature as their inspiration. They learn not only to care for the earth, but also to care for one another.Nature-based curriculum offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves. On a typical school day, children spend about 9 am to 1:30 pm outdoors year-round (weather permitting). On colder days, meals may be brought indoors, but the majority of the day is still outside.
Their explorations extend beyond the forest:
- Discovering plants and animals at Milk and Honey Farm
- Investigating the creek near Bonai Shalom
- Creating in the Art Studio
- Singing and playing instruments in the Music Studio
- And much more!
