Forest Kindergarten
Launched in September 2018, our Forest Kindergarten serves children ages 4 to 6 years old.
“We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love for this Earth, and to tell our stories. These are the moments when the world is made whole. In my children’s memories, the adventures we’ve had together in nature will always exist.”
—Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods
Overview
Our Forest Kindergarten is located just a short walk from our main campus, in a lushly wooded area that includes trails and a stream. A beautiful classroom on the main campus can be used in the winter months, for special events and for exceptionally inclement weather. Our Forest Kindergarteners are also dedicated to our Children’s Garden caring for vegetables, herbs and flowers and housekeeping for our chickens.
The Forest Kindergarten Experience
Children's Wellbeing
For over 100 years, Waldorf Education has recognized the critical role a deep relationship with nature plays in human emotional and physical well being. Waldorf education takes a distinctive approach to forest-based learning that honors the child’s ease in a rhythmic day of child-led discovery and play, and teacher-guided community activity. Practical life skills and being in a caring, inclusive community are at the heart of the group.
Located in Rockland County, New York, just three miles from Bergen County, New Jersey. Our beautiful campus comprises 11 acres with direct access to the extended 200 acres of forest, streams, fields and the nearby Duryea/ Threefold Community Farm.
The Forest Kindergarten Experience
Playing Outside
Playing outside for prolonged periods has been shown to have a positive impact on children’s development, particularly in the areas of balance and agility, but also manual dexterity, physical coordination,
Our forest shelter provides a warm, dry place for rainy and snowy days.
the Forest Kindergarten Experience
Forest Based Learning
Waldorf Education approaches forest-based learning with a unique understanding of the child’s authentic engagement with real life activity and self-initiated discovery. All Green Meadow Waldorf School’s programs include significant outdoor time each day. Research shows that this results in decreased overall stress and behavioral issues and improved self-discipline among students, along with the benefits described above.
