FAQs
what is nature based education?
Nature-based education is defined as children’s active learning in the natural world (Meier & Sisk-Hilton 2013) in which children are afforded regular opportunities to interact with nature. Nature-based education is a 21st-century reform effort that aims to improve learning outcomes and move away from more traditional approaches that rely on little to no direct interactions with the natural world. However, the idea is not entirely new these theories and methods of learning in nature have been proposed and tested for more than two centuries, often with young children in mind. Looking across that history reveals how wide-ranging nature-based education is and how long the notion of learning in and through nature has been around.
what is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants focus on the things you want and need to do in your daily life. Occupational therapy intervention uses everyday life activities (occupations) to promote health, well-being, and your ability to participate in the important activities in your life. For children occupational therapy improves varies facets of their daily life including (but not limited to) dressing, toileting, feeding skills, school readiness and social skills.
what is inclusive education?
Inclusive education means being INTENTIONAL about a classroom that is a combination of ages, cultures, backgrounds and learning abilities. Our school and classroom emphasizes and continues to strive for diversity within our school family to ensure well rounded learners and kind community helpers.
how can i prepare for school outside?
Our philosophy is there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. We operate year-round regardless of the weather, so we encourage our families to dress little ones accordingly and pack a change of clothing.
Warm weather gear: shirt, shorts/pants, socks, sneakers/rainboots, sunscreen, bug spray
cold weather gear: long sleeved shirt, pants, wool socks, jacket, thermal undershirt, sneakers/rainboots, gloves, beanie hat
Recommended outdoor gear shop: https://outdoorschoolshop.com/?aff=23
is this setting evidence-based?
Our school is a innovative approach that combines multiple evidence based approaches including occupational therapy, therapeutic horticulture, therapeutic art, animal assisted interventions and nature based education.
what other resources are there?
What Do Pediatric Occupational Therapists Do? - The OT Toolbox
Naturalistic Intelligence: Tips For Development - MentalUP
Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools - Books & Story Resources (erafans.org)
Why is Art Important in Schools | Parenting… | PBS KIDS for Parents