Coming soon, an outdoor preschool in the Missoula, Rattlesnake area.
Rattlesnake Nature School is based at my home in the Lower Rattlesnake and in Greenough Park, Missoula's first nature preserve, which is less than a block away. Mount Jumbo, the North Hills Trails, the Rattlesnake Wilderness and Bugbee Nature Preserve are all within a short drive. The school will be run entirely outdoors, with the exception of extreme weather conditions for which we have set aside classroom space indoors.
We shall occasionally take field trips to nature centers, trails and other open spaces. While exploring, we will learn about nature's ecosystems as well as plant, insect and animal identification. We will develop math and language skills through tactile, empirical experiences that further our understanding of nature and the world around us. At the same time we shall work on social development, conflict-resolution, maintaining positive relationships, compassion and empathy for our classmates and others.
It is known that children gather information and process it through play as they practice old skills and learn new ones. Outdoor play is a fundamental part of our program, as all areas of a child's learning and development are enhanced by it.
Our philosophy most closely aligns with the Waldkindergarten and Emelio Reggio school models. We will be utilizing an inquiry based approach to learning.
The children will enjoy both self-guided and teacher-led activities including painting, ceramics, print-making, cooking and various other hands-on learning projects. On a typical day you may find us sitting around a campfire, drawing with sticks in the mud, catching insects, following tracks, balancing on logs or making mud pies.
Introduction into the woodland space begins slowly as we familiarize ourselves with our classmates and the landscape around us. This will help establish boundaries, safety procedures and protocols. As children acclimate and skills emerge, so will creativity and the ability to problem solve. Capabilities created through natural learning will be useful for a lifetime (but before that...kindergarten).
Hours
Monday through Thursday 9 AM-1 PM
Attendance
Children may attend Monday and Wednesday, Tuesday and Thursday or all four days.
Enrollment is limited to 6 children per day.
Age Range
3-5 years
Tuition and Fees
$25.00 per day
* a $100.00 yearly supply fee is added to the first month's tuition
Schedule for a Typical Day
9:00-9:30- Drop Off and Free Play Outside
9:30-10:00- Head to Surrounding Open Areas
During this time we will travel on foot and/or by vehicle to nearby open areas. These will include Greenough Park, Tom Green Park, the P.E.A.S. Farm, Bugbee Nature Preserve (fantastic for owl watching!), the Rattlesnake Wilderness or any of the many outdoor spaces surrounding Missoula. On occasion we will remain at home base for a campfire, a cooking project or to work on longer term art projects.
10:00-10:15- Exploration
We will be learning about the forested area which we are visiting, exploring with our senses while naturally learning about habitats, plants, trees and water systems. This may include climbing and balancing on fallen trees, building shelters, snowball fights, digging in dirt or building campfires.
10:15-10:45- Circle and Snack Time
We will gather together to greet one another, eat a snack from our packed lunches, share a story or personal object, read a book, play games, learn about a subject we are studying, etc.
10:45-11:15- Art/Projects
This will be a teacher-led activity or project. All needed supplies will be supplied on site. It may be based on something we are studying or might be completely organic and spontaneous. The activities will revolve around math, language, sciences, writing, social studies and art.
11:15-11:45- Exploration and Free Play
Children will also have the option of continuing with an art project or other independent activities. Books will be available for children to read if more quiet activities are needed for the individual child.
11:45-12:00- Head Back To Base Camp
12:00-1:00- Lunch and Free Play
1:00- Pickup Time
