A Place-based Classroom Using Experiential Learning

We are a licensed micro-forest and nature school serving children ages 3-5 in Black Forest, CO. Our approach is not an unsupervised free-for-all, but a behind-the-scenes facilitation of exploration and learning. We use a blended pedagogy that allows children to form their own understanding of their world and their place in it with a focus on healthy and authentic development which builds self confidence and teaches them to be respectful of themselves and others. We are really proud to be a part of the Black Forest and take every advantage to develop socially, emotionally, and academically within this community. So while we have 10 acres to play on, we will occasionally venture out for a field trip to continue to make connections across these developmental areas.

Literacy:

There is a real opportunity for language development while playing outside with natural objects. Unlike a boxed toy, there is no script for a stick. Children take to their imagination and develop story lines with more complex themes and are able to return to their story again and again. We also bring our reading sessions outdoors and choose books that emphasize their current understanding of concepts while pushing them just a little bit further.

Writing: 

Countless studies have shown that an early emphasis on academics is more likely to do more harm than good. This doesn’t mean we don’t find letters important, it’s that we find kids are much more likely to want to learn them as a part of a larger experience. Our spelling games in the forest are wildly popular and children have periods of “journaling” where they are able to sit in the forest and express themselves through drawing and writing. Journaling also allows us to document their learning in an unobtrusive way. More importantly, the tiny muscles in the hands and arms are being developed at a greater pace because of the diversity of outdoor play. Sitting at a desk uses a much smaller group of muscles as opposed to twisting around trees and hiking up hills.

Math:

Measuring, comparing, counting, and spatial awareness plays a large role in being outside. We’ve heard the most amazing explanations from a child comparing two pine cones by size and discussions on angles walking under leaning trees. Adding and subtracting is also a regular occurrence as they build collections of their favorite objects.

Science:

The forest bursts with opportunities for science, and it really ties the above subjects together. We study habitats and classify plants and animals. We measure, we draw, we read, we hypothesize, we test, we discuss, and we learn how to disagree with one another while acknowledging different ideas.