Our Approach

How we Learn Together:

  • Individualized attention to support self-directed learning
  • Small class size
  • Mixed-age learning environment
  • Yoga and mindfulness
  • Nature based activities
  • Daily life activities as a source for learning such as cooking, chores, and self-care
  • Opportunities for parent involvement and community projects
  • Creative problem-solving
  • Building relationships
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Self-awareness and overall well-being

Components of the Curriculum:

  • Self-Directed
    • The emergent, self-directed approach allows space for teachers to observe individual children, as well as the group as a whole, to notice the natural curiosities that arise. These curiosities are then scaffold and explored further throughout the term with the support of teachers, allowing the children to have ownership over their experience.
  • Experiential
    • Children learn by doing and will be supported in a variety of hands-on learning opportunities. The focus throughout the term will be to engage children in activities that allow them to try new things, challenge themselves, and explore. In preparation for experiential learning, there will be opportunities for planning, making predictions, raising questions, and discussion. Following the experience, children will have time to reflect individually and as a group.
  • Project-Based
    • Project-based learning allows for children to explore a particular topic or area of interest in depth. Projects may vary in length, but will generally last several weeks.
  • Nature-Based
    • We aim to have children engaging with nature on a daily basis, throughout all seasons of the year. Although we are not considered a “forest pre-school,” there are many philosophical overlaps. Therefore, the projects, experiences, and activities will primarily be connected to the natural world. 
  • Learning opportunities emerge from daily living/routine
    • Chores
    • Gardening
    • Cooking
    • Play
  • Skill Development:
  • Observation (Five senses)
  • Basic Math Skills
  • Pre-reading & literacy skills

Desired Outcomes of Learning (DOL)

  • Self-Regulation and Well-Being
  • Belonging and Contributing
  • Math and Literacy Skills
  • Problem Solving and Innovation
  • Life values