Water Time

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We start the day with the welcome song comprised of different languages. We all learn the words and sing along together. Each student has designated time to voice their stories, goals, dreams and insights.

As adults, we want to enhance the group identity and make people feel cared for and that students belong in the class. Expressing happiness, well wishes, and thoughts of care increases the sense of belonging for all students.

They identify their current emotional state with pictographs of faces and the written words of major emotional families, such as anger, sadness, happiness, and nervousness. Often, An image can tell 1000 words.

Observe life cycles of plants and creatures. Students are introduced to moon and sun phases as well as calendar structures. They Learn about the seasons by observing trees. In fall, they see leaves change color and fall. Winter brings bare branches and quiet stillness. In spring, buds appear and leaves grow. Summer offers shade and full canopies. Children experience these changes through art, math, science and literacy.

Explore forest areas - examples of unstructured play include children often find themselves building shelters with forest material. They start stacking, making towers, and climbing. From there, many start making rules and creating games like the floor is lava!!

Student get dirty when they walk in puddles and explore what's just beneath the surface. Digging in forest soil helps preschoolers build fine motor skills, engage their senses, and explore cause and effect. As they uncover roots, rocks, and soil layers, they spark curiosity and wonder. This hands-on activity fosters focus, persistence, and a deep, joyful connection to the natural world beneath their feet.

With two streams on property, preschoolers learn about the salmon spawning cycle by observing fish return to streams to lay eggs. Through stories, play, and exploration, they discover how salmon grow, migrate, and return home. This hands-on learning builds understanding of life cycles, seasonal change, and the deep connection between animals, water, and the land.

Nature-based preschool helps children become classroom-ready by building focus, independence, and problem-solving skills through hands-on exploration. Outdoor play fosters resilience, cooperation, and communication. As they follow routines, ask questions, and engage with the natural world, children develop the confidence and curiosity needed to thrive in a traditional classroom setting. 

We end the day with unstructured play, giving children the chance to explore, create, and collaborate freely. This time encourages creativity, problem-solving, and social skills as they engage with their environment and peers in a relaxed, joyful setting. It’s an important opportunity for self-directed learning and discovery.