how does a nature-based program work?
This model is a form of primary education in which class is held mostly outdoors and uses our natural environment to tap into children's innate curiosity. 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.
CURRICULUM.
Duluth Forest Kinderhaus uses an integrated approach. We thrive on seasonally-relevant themes, child-led interests, and Reggio-inspired 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.
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 and rain coat
Fleece lined rain suit
Waterproof rain mittens
Stretchy Mittens
Snowsuit
Neck gaiter
Balaclava
Snowshoes
Hiking pack
Class T-shirt (goes home at end of year)
Provided by Family (seasonally)
We have tried and tested many brands of waterproof boots over the years and have found Kamik Snobuster boots to be the warmest (with wool socks) and most waterproof boots out there. For this reason, providing your child with a pair of these specific boots is required.
Layering is key to making sure your child is comfortable throughout the day! The following are what we would prefer your child to be dressed in depending on the weather:
Fall & Spring (September, October, April, May)
+ Lightweight to midweight merino wool, calf-length socks
+ Warmer days – comfortable pants and layered long-sleeve over a short-sleeve shirt, sun hat, close-toed tennis shoes
+ Cooler/rainy days – lightweight to midweight merino wool long underwear; no jeans, lightweight to midweight fleece jacket or sweater, fleece pants, knit hat, puddle boots
Winter (November, December, January, February, March)
+ Midweight to heavyweight merino wool, calf-length socks
+ Midweight to heavyweight merino wool long underwear as base layer.
+ Midweight to heavyweight fleece sweater and pants as insulation layer.
+ Snow mittens – preferably ones that pull up over the jacket sleeve
+ Fleece neck gaiter (preferably Turtle Fur brand)
+ Balaclava for subzero days
+ Warm winter hat
SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
Yoga mat
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.)
Two changes of clothing (labeled)
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 and rain coat
Fleece lined rain suit
Waterproof rain mittens
Stretchy Mittens
Snowsuit
Neck gaiter
Balaclava
Snowshoes
Hiking pack
Class T-shirt (goes home at end of year)
Provided by Family (seasonally)
We have tried and tested many brands of waterproof boots over the years and have found Kamik Snobuster boots to be the warmest (with wool socks) and most waterproof boots out there. For this reason, providing your child with a pair of these specific boots is required.
Layering is key to making sure your child is comfortable throughout the day! The following are what we would prefer your child to be dressed in depending on the weather:
Fall & Spring (September, October, April, May)
+ Lightweight to midweight merino wool, calf-length socks
+ Warmer days – comfortable pants and layered long-sleeve over a short-sleeve shirt, sun hat, close-toed tennis shoes
+ Cooler/rainy days – lightweight to midweight merino wool long underwear; no jeans, lightweight to midweight fleece jacket or sweater, fleece pants, knit hat, puddle boots
Winter (November, December, January, February, March)
+ Midweight to heavyweight merino wool, calf-length socks
+ Midweight to heavyweight merino wool long underwear as base layer.
+ Midweight to heavyweight fleece sweater and pants as insulation layer.
+ Snow mittens – preferably ones that pull up over the jacket sleeve
+ Fleece neck gaiter (preferably Turtle Fur brand)
+ Balaclava for subzero days
+ Warm winter hat
SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
Yoga mat
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.)
Two changes of clothing (labeled)
FOOD FOR OUR BELLIES.
Each family will need to provide a morning snack and lunch for their child daily. A
refrigerator will be available for cold items.
refrigerator will be available for cold items.