Wild Beginnings

Program

The Land

Forest Play

Our children have access to a secluded and private forest sanctuary, where nature's wonders await around every corner. We follow winding trails that lead through the lush canopy, revealing hidden treasures at every turn. Among towering trees, ancient nursery logs provide a glimpse into the forest's rich history, while a vast meadow invites moments of quiet contemplation beneath the open sky. In this enchanting haven, surrounded by the whispers of the woods, serenity and beauty converge to create an unforgettable retreat into nature's embrace.

Our Program

Land-Centered Education

The land is our primary teacher. We spend our days playing and learning from the Earth. We encourage deep listening, observations, question-asking, and experimentation. Children form meaningful connections by entering into direct relationship with the land. This tangible bond fosters a deep sense of identity and belonging and desire to safeguard and protect. Together we honor and give thanks to the land and demonstrate an ethos of stewardship.

Daily Nature Immersion

Our program includes a balance of guided and self-directed nature immersion, including teacher-led hikes, self-guided exploration, open-ended play, and movement games that encourage children to come into relationship with the natural world. Our forest adventures provide children with a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate our unique local ecosystems. We build resilience and grit by learning how to navigate challenging weather and terrain.

Social-Emotional Learning

Our teachers take time to acknowledge the little moments of kindness, teamwork, and resilience that make each day special. With gentle guidance, we help our young learners navigate challenges and stay safe, happy, and caring. Children not only build confidence but also develop a strong sense of self-worth and personal boundaries. We also weave in GRUB’s Tend, Gather, Grow curriculum, turning to our native and naturalized plants as guides.

Storytelling and Art

We believe that stories and art are powerful gateways for understanding and engaging with our wild and wonderful world. Our stories and puppet plays are intentionally selected or mindfully crafted with beautiful language, living images and seasonal themes. Children are given ample opportunities to develop their own voices and self-expression through activities such as painting, drawing, singing, listening to and telling stories.

Play and Curiosity

Children engage with and make sense of the world through play. Self-directed play allows children to get creative and solve problems, practice interpersonal skills, and build self-confidence. At times, our teachers take a more active role in planning, observing and guiding play and exploration. We look for emergent opportunities to co-create learning experiences with the children and the land. Through outdoor play, children learn how to overcome manageable challenges, navigate healthy risk, and understand personal safety.

Holistic Nourishment

We take a holistic approach to nourishment, ensuring all aspects of our program support the development of the whole child. Nourished children are happy children ready for a day filled with learning and play! We offer a balanced menu with healthy snacks and lunch. We source organic ingredients from the Olympia Food Co-op and local farmers, ensuring fresh and wholesome homemade goodness. We also teach respectful foraging for native plants to be used in seasonal teas and treats.

Our Rhythms

Daily Rhythm

Meadow Play

Morning Circle

Nature Walk

Snack

Forest Play

Enrichment activity: Story or Art

Lunch

Pickup

Weekly Rhythm

Tuesday: Story | Fruit + Popcorn | Brown rice + Veggies + Pinto Beans

Wednesday: Bread baking | Fruit + Cashews | GF pasta + Buns

Thursday: Watercolor painting | Apples + Bread + Cheese | Black Beans + Brown Rice

Friday: Drawing |Fruit + energy balls | Pizza + Veggie Sticks

Seasonal Rhythm

Early Fall - Aug. 1- Sept. 21

Late Fall- Sept. 22- Oct. 31

Early Winter - Nov. 1 - Dec. 20

Late Winter - Dec. 21- Jan. 31

Early Spring - Feb. 1 - Mar. 19

Late Spring - Mar. 20- Apr. 30Early Summer - May 1 - Jun. 21

We acknowledge and celebrate the quarter and cross-quarter days as a way to anchor our program in the rhythms of nature. The year can be thought of as having 8 seasons, each lasting about 6 weeks.

We shift our theme of inquiry with the season. Guiding questions and activities are provided by teachers with space reserved for student contributions, wonderings, and emergence.

Seasonal Family Festivals

Our community events are more than just celebrations of the changing seasons; they're opportunities for families to come together and strengthen bonds. As each season transitions, we gather to honor the beauty of nature and the connections we share. Through shared activities, such as crafting, storytelling, and enjoying seasonal treats, families forge deeper relationships and create lasting memories. These gatherings foster a sense of belonging and unity, enriching our community with warmth, laughter, and a shared appreciation for the rhythms of the natural world.

Welcome Potluck - September

Autumn Lantern Walk - November

Winter Spiral of Light- December

Welcoming Summer - May

Goodbye Potluck - June