Our Philosophy
We believe that all young children have an innate desire to learn and that is best achieved through unstructured child-driven free play.
Nature provides an expansive outdoor classroom that inspires and excites kids to move, create, explore, discover, question, and engage with each other.
Social and emotional health is the foundation for later learning and it is best developed in an environment where children are respected, encouraged to identify and express their feelings, work together, are supported in stating their wants, needs, and resolving conflict, and given ample space to create and question.
Fresh air, open spaces, the quiet and calm pace, and a landscape of trees, plants, and living creatures offers a freedom and wonder that is unmatched, especially in the heart of a city. Exploring outside is safe and builds confidence, independence, and competence.
Children who are given regular opportunities to be outdoors develop a love, respect, and appreciation for nature that they carry with them as they grow. Nature's brilliance comes from it's simplicity and accessibility - clouds in the sky, autumn leaves, and blankets of snow - as well as from it's magical intricacy, depth, and patterns. Children encouraged to take the time to be still and observe in a natural environment are developing the skills necessary to create mindfulness and balance in our fast-paced, technologically driven world.
Children should be allowed to get messy and dirty, immersing themselves in tactile play and sensory exploration outside.
Children are all unique and learn and express themselves in different ways and should be provided with multiple and varied opportunities to explore and experiment. Nature play brings forth inquiry, debate, and challenge and the group - children and adults - are there to support and guide each other as they learn.
Nature based play and outside exploration provides ample opportunities for children to develop emergent skills.
The scientific findings on the emotional, physical, social and developmental benefits of spending time in nature are vast and documented: self regulation, improved moods, bodily awareness, sensory integration, improved inter-personal skills, increased attention span, creativity and confidence are all developed and strengthened through outdoor play!
