Welcome to our nature-based learning community - I'm happy you're here!
I am Amber Marsolek, the owner and director of Duluth Forest Kinderhaus. As a primary-age educator for the last ten years, I am deeply passionate about finding ways to integrate nature-based learning into early childhood education. My journey here is the reason I work to inspire others like me to find their way into nature-based learning.
My husband Seth and I live in Duluth, MN with our three wonderfully active boys (Owen, 16; Alden, 14; Remington, 9) and our fluffy furball of a dog, Willow. We spend our warm months of the year playing [a lot of] baseball, traveling, relaxing at the cabin, mountain biking, and spending as much time as we can near the water. During the cooler months, you will find us rink ratting at the nearest hockey rink, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and soaking it all in at the nearest sauna. As entrepreneurs, my husband and I value putting our talents, education, heart and soul into what we do every day; he with his civil survey/engineering business and competitive baseball program, and me with this nature school. Life challenges us in the best ways possible and we thrive on being continuous learners.
In 2005, I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a concentration in Sociology/Elementary Education. Afterward, I pursued a paralegal position, but after eight years in the legal field, I knew my heart belonged in education. In 2013, I obtained my Graduate Teaching License, and in 2014, I earned a Master of Science in Teaching from St. Scholastica.
I began my teaching journey in kindergarten, immersing myself in the joy of guiding young children. Eventually, I found myself in the role of a kindergarten nature enrichment teacher, where I discovered the incredible potential of using nature as a powerful educational tool. This experience sparked a deep passion within me and fueled my desire to explore nature play and its essential role in children's lives.
As I delved into research on forest schooling, my passion grew even stronger. I realized that this approach to education aligned with best practices, offering a stark contrast to my previous experiences within the traditional classroom setting. My master's research revealed the profound impact early childhood experiences play in building the foundation for all future years of learning.
Recognizing the need for a nature-based program at the primary level, I felt inspired to turn my vision of Kinderhaus into a reality. Through my journey, it became abundantly clear that by integrating nature, play, and immersive experiences, we can provide children with a solid educational foundation and foster their growth and development in a holistic way.
I am excited to share my experience with you and invite you to reach out with inquiries on how you can integrate nature-based learning into your classroom, program, or family.
Welcome to Kinderhaus - where education and nature come together to create meaningful learning.
I am Amber Marsolek, the owner and director of Duluth Forest Kinderhaus. As a primary-age educator for the last ten years, I am deeply passionate about finding ways to integrate nature-based learning into early childhood education. My journey here is the reason I work to inspire others like me to find their way into nature-based learning.
My husband Seth and I live in Duluth, MN with our three wonderfully active boys (Owen, 16; Alden, 14; Remington, 9) and our fluffy furball of a dog, Willow. We spend our warm months of the year playing [a lot of] baseball, traveling, relaxing at the cabin, mountain biking, and spending as much time as we can near the water. During the cooler months, you will find us rink ratting at the nearest hockey rink, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and soaking it all in at the nearest sauna. As entrepreneurs, my husband and I value putting our talents, education, heart and soul into what we do every day; he with his civil survey/engineering business and competitive baseball program, and me with this nature school. Life challenges us in the best ways possible and we thrive on being continuous learners.
In 2005, I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a concentration in Sociology/Elementary Education. Afterward, I pursued a paralegal position, but after eight years in the legal field, I knew my heart belonged in education. In 2013, I obtained my Graduate Teaching License, and in 2014, I earned a Master of Science in Teaching from St. Scholastica.
I began my teaching journey in kindergarten, immersing myself in the joy of guiding young children. Eventually, I found myself in the role of a kindergarten nature enrichment teacher, where I discovered the incredible potential of using nature as a powerful educational tool. This experience sparked a deep passion within me and fueled my desire to explore nature play and its essential role in children's lives.
As I delved into research on forest schooling, my passion grew even stronger. I realized that this approach to education aligned with best practices, offering a stark contrast to my previous experiences within the traditional classroom setting. My master's research revealed the profound impact early childhood experiences play in building the foundation for all future years of learning.
Recognizing the need for a nature-based program at the primary level, I felt inspired to turn my vision of Kinderhaus into a reality. Through my journey, it became abundantly clear that by integrating nature, play, and immersive experiences, we can provide children with a solid educational foundation and foster their growth and development in a holistic way.
I am excited to share my experience with you and invite you to reach out with inquiries on how you can integrate nature-based learning into your classroom, program, or family.
Welcome to Kinderhaus - where education and nature come together to create meaningful learning.