What is a typical day at Forest Preschool?

A typical day begins with a morning gathering around the fire circle. Each day, we offer a guided activity or process-based art project children can choose, and an ever-evolving outdoor classroom that provides a variety of different types of Forest School play. After a few weeks, as children’s interest begin to emerge, our classroom adapts to their play. This means providing different materials for the mud kitchen, changing the configuration of the swinging ropes, offering new containers for the water wall, or introducing new tools and games. We focus primarily on helping children develop friendships and social relationships, helping the child understand their relationship with nature, and teaching self-reliance and independence. These skills help prepare them for elementary school while still focusing on child-led learning. Our pre-k/transitional kindergarten/kindergarten class also introduces literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through guided activities. For example, children take a nature walk through the property, collecting natural items. We name them, draw them or take a rubbing in our nature journals, and label the item while talking about where we found it, our previous experiences with it, and how we could play with it. This type of inclusive activity creates a meaningful and deep learning experience, helping your child remember what they have learned and apply it in the future.

What do you mean by different types of Forest School Play?

Forest School gives children space to work through a wider variety of play styles, and we love this graphic from Forest Schooled that explains each different style.

Do you really go outside every day?

Yes! Going outdoors in every kind of weather builds resilience and teaches children they can handle anything! As long as we are dressed appropriately (read on to learn more about dressing for Forest School) children can play outdoors for extended periods of time and enjoy it. Splashing in puddles, playing in the mud, making snow forts, flying kites can only happen on less-than-perfect weather days. That being said, there are conditions where we remain indoors: tornado warnings, thunderstorm warning or lightening spotted or thunder heard, wind chill below 15 degrees, and when wind gusts approach 30 mph. On these days, it is unsafe to be outdoors, and our program will take place indoors.

What about in the winter?

Yes, even in winter. Dressing for extended time outdoors is an art, as well as choosing the right outdoor gear. We stay plenty warm with a campfire, staying active, drinking warm cocoa or tea, playing group games, and using a warm-up station. Children are taught to recognize when they are too cold and how to warm up.

What does my child need for Forest School?

Children need to be dressed appropriately for the temperature and weather conditions, a water bottle, as well as plenty of snacks. Staying active for several hours really drives their appetite! Each child has a large plastic bin to keep all of their extra clothes and boots at the preschool so no need to take home each day. All children must have an complete extra change of clothes (including socks and underwear, appropriate for the season).

How should my child dress for Forest School?

Fall: base layer of clothing (preferably wool or synthetic, NOT cotton), warm fleece or sweatshirt, warm pants (leggings are not warm enough on their own), crew or knee socks (no ankle socks), waterproof outer layer (rain coat/pants or rain suit), rain boots or other waterproof boots such as hiking (NO Crocs, open toed sandals, slides, or any other shoes that does not completely cover the foot)

Winter: all of the things from Fall, PLUS second layer of clothing for warmth (third layer may be necessary), fleece or wool jacket or sweater for warmth, snow pants, winter coat (waterproof preferred), fully lined winter boots, hat that fully covers head and ears, gaiter or balaklava, water resistant or water proof mittens or gloves.

Spring: same as fall

Summer: appropriate shirt and bottoms, preferably sun shirt or SPF clothing on top, crew or ankle socks, closed toed shoes or hiking sandals (No Crocs, open toed sandals or slides), sun screen (if appropriate), bug spray or bug repellent bracelet or patch, water clothes (can be swimsuit) sent daily.

What if I have more questions?

Please text or call us at 607-444-5970. Being prepared for Forest School is the BEST way to set your child up for success, and we are more than happy to answer any questions or provide any guidance.

What if I cannot provide all the weather appropriate clothing?

We recognize and understand that buying quality weather appropriate clothing is a privilege. Please email us or let us know in person if we can help ensure your child has the appropriate wardrobe for Forest School. We can help provide backup items, source new items, or find alternatives. We are happy to share our clothing lending library, don’t let it go to waste!

Can I donate my child’s outgrown weather clothing?

Yes!! We will gladly accept rain and snow boots, snow clothes, rain coats/pants, rain suits, waterproof gloves and mittens, woolen outerwear, etc. as long as it is in usable condition. You’re welcome to shop for the next size up in our clothing lending library as well!