In KinderForest, every tree is a jungle gym; every fallen log a balance beam; every leaf, flower, snowflake, stick and shell a gift from nature. The forest along the river behind the LifeWays Center becomes our “home away from home”.
Here we discover the river and forest’s changes since our last visit. We take long hikes, climb trees, and look for tracks and treasures in all sorts of weather. In the winter we slide on ice, make snowmen, and explore the frozen wonderland Jack Frost and King Winter have created.
Each day we celebrate being in nature with songs, poems and circle games. We share a snack together, upon a picnic blanket in spring and fall and sitting upon logs or icebergs in the winter. We may work on a nature craft or other project. We enjoy a nature story, fairy tale or simple puppet play.
If the weather is too inclement, we come inside early and continue to share a Forest Kindergarten experience together until it’s time to say, “Bye, bye, butterfly.”
For families who value fresh air and physical activity, nature exploration and appreciation of its beauty, and getting their hands and jeans dirty, the Forest Kindergarten program is just the thing.
Each of our preschool programs meets two mornings per week, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m., from Labor Day to Memorial Day. They serve children ages 3-6 who are potty-trained. Children may extend their day through lunch — or to a full day — in one of our mixed-age childcare suites.
