Forest School

SPRING INTO THE WOODS!

APRIL 1 - JUNE 7, 2024

SPRING 2024 marks Wilderness Awakening Forest School kick-off! After a year of studying Forest School through the Forest School Teacher Institute, we are ready to embark on the magic and twice the fun.

This 13 week-long program is available at a first come, first serve basis. Sign up for for one week, every week, or anywhere in-between. We cannot wait to dive into the full spectrum that is Midwest Spring at its finest !

WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL?

Forest School is a progressive alternative education model where child-led learning occurs almost exclusively in the great outdoors. Children play, explore and learn in the great classroom of Silverwood Park’s woods, prairie, and wetlands. The dynamic and variety of conditions challenge and empower the children in healthy self discovery. We celebrate and trust children’s innate curiosity, foster compassion and empathy for the earth and all living beings, and allow space for emergent curriculum to unfold organically. Teachers work as guides using inquiry-based teaching strategies, making observations, and documenting learning.

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FAQs

  • This program is designed for young children between the ages of 3-6. All participants must be considered “toilet-trained,” meaning that the child can recognize their body’s need to use the bathroom, can let an adult know when they need to use the bathroom, and can use the bathroom independently (pulling pants and underwear down, wiping if needed, pulling underwear and pants up, and washing/drying hands).

  • Also known as interest-led learning, our curriculum is born of the moment, with opportunities to learn personal, social and technical skills through hands-on experiences in our woodland setting. It flows naturally from curiosities which may be influenced by the seasons, plants and animals, or personal interests. Topics are broad and include the natural environment and its relation to human culture and geography, and more abstract concepts such as math and communication.

  • WHEN : April 1 - June 7 (10 weeks)
    Tues/Wed/Thurs 9:00 - 12:00
    WHERE : Silverwood Park, St. Anthony, MN
    COST : $135 per week

  • 9:00 Outdoor drop-off and prepare for nature play
    9-9:15 Morning gathering, song and game
    9:15-11:30 Nature play & snack
    11:30-12 Lunch and nature notes
    This schedule is intentionally loose to allow space for the magic of child-led learning.

  • Families are required to provide a packed lunch and snack each day. We provide stainless steel bento boxes that are durable and fit well in their forest packs, which children carry throughout the day. To promote independence, please be sure that your child can open snack containers or bags on their own.

  • In order to support interest-led learning, we offer a unique small class size with a 1:4 teacher to child ratio.

Forest Gear Program

Each child is provided with a forest pack prior to their first day to ensure they are prepared for their excursions carrying their loads. These are to be used with care as we hope to reuse items for years to come! The cost of lost or damaged items may be added to your invoice.

  • Deuter Schmusebar Backpack

  • Hydroflask water bottle

  • Stainless steel lunch box