what is forest kindergarten?
The forest kindergarten model is a form of primary education in which class is held mostly outdoors. All types of weather are appreciated while learning and exploring in a forest setting or natural environment. Inspired by the original Waldkindergartens of Germany, Kinderhaus strives to use the wild outdoors to build resilience, inquiry, and confidence.
how our program works.
We conduct business under a child care license provided by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. According to Minnesota law, children are not required to enroll in compulsory (district, charter, nonpublic, homeschool) education until the age of 7. Please see Minn. Stat. §120A for a full explanation on the requirements of compulsory education.
We are excited to offer another outdoor option to our growing community of nature-based programs! Our program serves pre-kindergarten-aged children, 4-5 years of age. Children must be 4 years of age before the first day of school and must not turn 6 before the final day of school; no exceptions. Our mission is to allow children to learn at their pace in the wild outdoors.
We are excited to offer another outdoor option to our growing community of nature-based programs! Our program serves pre-kindergarten-aged children, 4-5 years of age. Children must be 4 years of age before the first day of school and must not turn 6 before the final day of school; no exceptions. Our mission is to allow children to learn at their pace in the wild outdoors.
TUITION.
For the 2018-19 school year, Kinderhaus will be open Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Our annual full-time tuition is $5,328, paid in monthly installments of $592/month.
Our annual part-time tuition is $2,664, paid in monthly installments of $296/month.
This is based on a daily rate of $37/day. Tuition will be paid one month in advance, due on the 1st of each month, September-May. No tuition will be paid in the month of June.
At this time, scholarships and tuition help are not available.
Our annual full-time tuition is $5,328, paid in monthly installments of $592/month.
Our annual part-time tuition is $2,664, paid in monthly installments of $296/month.
This is based on a daily rate of $37/day. Tuition will be paid one month in advance, due on the 1st of each month, September-May. No tuition will be paid in the month of June.
At this time, scholarships and tuition help are not available.
CURRICULUM.
Duluth Forest Kinderhaus uses an integrated approach. We thrive on seasonally-relevant themes and emergent curriculum. Emergent curriculum evolves directly from what is relevant, interesting, and meaningful to the student(s). Using an inquiry-based teaching model, children are able to wonder and ask questions about discoveries and observations. It is then then job of the teacher/guide to provide students with materials and hands-on explorative opportunities in order for them to form their own reasoning and theories. Through interest-led, experiential learning, a deeper understanding takes place that is meaningful to the child. Indoor and outdoor activities are designed to expand on the interests of the children and reflect what is going on in the world around them.
Other curriculum used throughout our day:
Reading/Writing: Handwriting without Tears [https://www.hwtears.com/hwt]
Math: Reggio Emilia [investigative math/calendar work – see Reggio math on Pinterest for examples]
Yoga: ABCs of Yoga and other yoga stories
Other curriculum used throughout our day:
Reading/Writing: Handwriting without Tears [https://www.hwtears.com/hwt]
Math: Reggio Emilia [investigative math/calendar work – see Reggio math on Pinterest for examples]
Yoga: ABCs of Yoga and other yoga stories
CLOTHING & GEAR.
“There is no bad weather. Only bad clothing.”
At Kinderhaus, appropriate clothing is the key to comfort and success of our students. Because our program is mostly based outdoors, the following gear is necessary and provided as follows:
Provided by Kinderhaus (items stay at school – no extra charge)
Rain pants – Oakiwear pants
Waterproof mittens - Polarn O. Pyret
Snowshoes – Yukon Charlie’s
Resting mat
Provided by Family (seasonally)
FALL
Puddle boots
Wool socks
Fleece jacket/wool sweater
Down/down alt. vest
Rain jacket
Mittens
Stocking cap
WINTER
Snow pantsWinter boots
Wool socks
Winter jacket
Winter hat
Waterproof mittens (should come over jacket sleeve or tuck under sleeve)
Neck warmer
SPRING
Puddle boots
Wool socks
Fleece jacket/wool sweater
Rain jacket
Mittens
Stocking cap
Sun hat
Tennis shoes
2018-19 SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
Yoga mat
Resting blanket
16 color set of Crayola watercolor paints
Scissors (blunt tip)
2 large glue sticks
2 boxes of Kleenex
2 packs of baby wipes
2 rolls of paper towels
Backpack
Lunchbox
Water bottle (preferred brands include: Camelbak, Klean Kanteen, Hydro Flask, Life Factory. Must have a flip up mouth piece or sport cap with pull up mouth piece.)
“There is no bad weather. Only bad clothing.”
At Kinderhaus, appropriate clothing is the key to comfort and success of our students. Because our program is mostly based outdoors, the following gear is necessary and provided as follows:
Provided by Kinderhaus (items stay at school – no extra charge)
Rain pants – Oakiwear pants
Waterproof mittens - Polarn O. Pyret
Snowshoes – Yukon Charlie’s
Resting mat
Provided by Family (seasonally)
FALL
Puddle boots
Wool socks
Fleece jacket/wool sweater
Down/down alt. vest
Rain jacket
Mittens
Stocking cap
WINTER
Snow pantsWinter boots
Wool socks
Winter jacket
Winter hat
Waterproof mittens (should come over jacket sleeve or tuck under sleeve)
Neck warmer
SPRING
Puddle boots
Wool socks
Fleece jacket/wool sweater
Rain jacket
Mittens
Stocking cap
Sun hat
Tennis shoes
2018-19 SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
Yoga mat
Resting blanket
16 color set of Crayola watercolor paints
Scissors (blunt tip)
2 large glue sticks
2 boxes of Kleenex
2 packs of baby wipes
2 rolls of paper towels
Backpack
Lunchbox
Water bottle (preferred brands include: Camelbak, Klean Kanteen, Hydro Flask, Life Factory. Must have a flip up mouth piece or sport cap with pull up mouth piece.)
FOOD FOR OUR BELLIES.
Lunches need to be brought from home. A refrigerator will be available for cold items.
Our morning snacks will be seasonal, local fare from Lake Superior CSA, local farmer’s markets, organic farms, or our school garden, and prepared in our school kitchen! Yum! Afternoon snacks will be provided from home and sent with your child's lunch.
Our morning snacks will be seasonal, local fare from Lake Superior CSA, local farmer’s markets, organic farms, or our school garden, and prepared in our school kitchen! Yum! Afternoon snacks will be provided from home and sent with your child's lunch.