Philosophy

Our approach to outdoor education is child-led and play-based. We've seen children thrive when outside immersed in nature, listening to the songs of birds, smelling the scent of pine, feeling the wind and sun on their skin, and getting their hands muddy and messy! Through play, they develop essential skills to carry with them for the rest of their lives while finding the joy in learning and letting nature soothe their delicate nervous systems. Our intentionally small program lets us follow your child’s unique interests, keeping them engaged and connected to the learning. 

 

Mission Statement 

Our mission is to guide children through their learning journeys by supporting their unique developmental processes. We do this by creating opportunities for free exploration, sensory and risky play, gross and fine motor strengthening, creative artistic expression, and social-emotional development, with an emphasis on compassion and empathy towards all living things. We also support self and body awareness through yoga and mindfulness. All of this is done while building confidence, independence, and resilience, and by using children’s own interests to promote language skills, social skills, and early learning concepts. Immersed in nature, children have the freedom to be adventurous and curious explorers in a safe and supportive setting. 

 

What makes us different?

Our program is co-facilitated by a speech-language therapist and seasoned nature school and yoga teacher. Though it is geared towards children moving through typical language development, our expert knowledge and intentionally small group size (maximum ratio of 4:1) allows us to meet children where they are and guide them to advance their language, communication, regulation, and social skills while simply being and having fun. 

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Rhythm of the Morning 

    •    We start our mornings at 9am, outside in the forest, cheerfully greeting each other and our day.  

    •    We enjoy 45 minutes of free exploration in our Forest Classroom.  We may choose to play with loose parts, climb and balance, explore with magnifying glasses, mark with chalk or crayons, build with blocks, read books, make music on the stage, explore the sensory table, or cook in the mud kitchen!

    •    We hear a song calling us to gather into morning circle, where we sing good morning songs, choose a helper of the day, take mindful breaths with the Himalayan singing bowl, and discuss the weather.

    •    With a cup of herbal tea, we observe a mini-lesson on our topic of interest, and enjoy a snack and story.

    •    After circle time, if we choose, we can work on a project or provocation, such as artwork, observation tables, matching, sorting, tracing, cooking, beading, sculpting, etc.

    •    We gather again for music, playing percussion instruments or tapping and dancing along to the ukulele. Then, we tune into our our bodies and breath through playful yoga poses and mindfulness techniques. 

    •    Afterwards, we may go on a short hike through the woods or a walk on the mindfulness trail, visit the sheep and chickens, do some gentle gardening, or play field games.

    •    We gather for a closing circle to reflect on our day and sing goodbye to our friends until next time!

    •    We say hello to our grownups at 12pm. If desired, families are welcome to remain on our land to enjoy lunch together before departing.

 

What is a learning community?

A learning community is an alternative to traditional preschool programs that places enhanced value on relationship building and shared values. We view families as partners and children as the directors of their learning journeys. We offer a safe, supportive environment where the diverse needs of children and families are met collaboratively and holistically. 

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As a learning community, we invite families to contribute and enjoy with us on the land through skill sharing, acts of service such as lightly tending to our garden (always in exchange for organically grown fruits and veggies to bring home), and participation in seasonal gatherings such as equinox potlucks and solstice celebrations. 

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Program Details

Our inaugural year will begin in September 2026 and run on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 9am to 12pm for 40 weeks through June 2027 with planned holiday breaks. Participants are required to attend all three mornings.

 

The majority of our time will be spent outdoors in our Forest Classroom, in our fields and meadow, walking along our Mindfulness Trail, in our gardens, and visiting our farm animals (sheep and chickens). Our learning studio offers cozy respite and amenities during inclement weather and for bathroom breaks.

 

Children ages 2 through 5 are welcome to join, though space is limited. Please reach out soon for pricing and enrollment information. We look forward to hearing from you! Feel free to email circlesofcommunication@gmail.com, call or text 609-954-8245, or send a message using the link below.

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Interested? Questions? Ready to enroll?

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