Our Program

We are an intimate forest kindergarten with a unique, original curriculum focusing on connection to the earth and to each other.

About

Our curriculum is driven by what is actually happening around us in the natural world. We focus on observing and grounding ourselves in the seasonal changes of the planet. Fiddleheads students learn about the patterns and traditions associated with each time of year.

Autumn is the season of harvest. It is a wonderful season to kick off the school year because the seasonal change is so striking… and so beautiful. Our forest days are filled with trees that take on the classic hues of Autumn foliage before falling to the ground. We spend time in the organic garden, harvesting pumpkins, rye and every last tomato for cooking projects (and light snacking).

As winter sets in, we explore how animals prepare for the long cold months ahead. We celebrate the winter solstice with our annual spiral ceremony. Learn more and see footage in this segment from GNAT-TV. We talk about the changing light, stars in the dark night skies, sleeping forests, hibernation, and water and ice. Colder, icier days are opportunities for more snow and ice exploration, and focus on stories and small comforts like fires and hot tea.

The days get longer and we observe the awakening of the earth. Plants sprouting and birds singing are excellent teachers. We partake in these happenings by making our own bird nests and planting our own seeds.

Fiddleheads curriculum is designed to build awareness. Both external and internal. We focus on mindfulness and empathy as the children learn to develop relationships. Checking in with our own bodies and feelings happens each morning, and attentive listening is practiced as we learn to identify and share these feelings. We strive to create an inclusive community of healthy, trusting students, connected to each other and to the natural world.

In addition to our core tenets of observation and awareness, we do a myriad of things to encourage kindergarten readiness. Through counting activities, cooking, crafts, species identification, and nature journaling— early literacy, reasoning and number sense are woven into the curriculum wherever possible and appropriate.

Daily Schedule

9:00-9:30: arrival-gear check- free play

9:30-10:00: good morning circle -songs- yoga- body check in- sharing

10:-10:15: bathroom break and gear prep

10:15-10:45: walk to the forest, lost of exploring and observing along the way

10:45- 11:15: snack and sit spots

11:15-12:00: forest free play

12:00-12:30: circle, story and themed activity/project

12:30-1:00: lunch

1:00 :pick up in the forest

On some days we will forego a forest adventure to do more garden and cooking projects, or enjoy more shelter during the challenging weather season.