Education

Education in Nature

We move through the land engaging our sense in embodied presence, exploring connection, asking questions, and co creating our learning environment. In the ritual of our day we have an opening and closing council, these are whole group moments where we raise the expectation for all the children to be present in our community. Outside of these times and moments where we tend to physical needs, we let the Earth and children guide us. The aim is to foster rich learning experiences, ecological literacy, and healthy living by connecting children to nature. This process is robust with thoughtful curricular provocations that are planned weekly by all teachers. Children are given the freedom, so long as they remain respectful of keeping themselves, their friends and the environment safe, to explore the land and lead the adults that hold the container of curiosity and critical thinking around them. As we build a healthy relationship to the Earth, we innately build qualities of resilience.

The Model

This model of education is inspired by the Waldkindergartens and Forest Schools of Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Finland, where children spend the early years of their education in entirely outdoor settings, and incorporates the learning elements of ecological and social systems present on regenerative agriculture land sites. All of Folk Farm classes are held outside, rain or shine, building healthy resiliency and regulation through exposure to the elements. Practicing embodiment, clear speech and consistent responsibilities are pillars within this system.
We offer a different program model for each age group, designed to support the holistic learning of each child.

Education

Education in Nature

The Model

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