Outdoor, play-based learning and childcare for ages 0-5
Monday-Friday 7:00 AM- 4:00 PM.
email us at
littlefernsplaygarden@gmail.com
for more information and to schedule a tour.
About Little Ferns Play Garden
Little Ferns Play Garden is a warm, nurturing, nature-based childcare. For many of the children in our care, this will be the first steps into the world away from home and all that is familiar. creating an environment that nurtures and brings a feeling of safety and security is Always our first mission. Children that feel loved, safe and secure will be
children that can flourish And grow!
As our name suggests, we are play based! Nestled on 8 acres of forest, we provide thoughtful, curiosity led instruction, fostering an admiration and respect for the natural world. Our approach is Inspired by years of studying Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio pedagogy. With more than ten years experience in teaching children, we apply a play-based approach, using the children’s curiosity as the inspired curriculum with nature as our core.
Waldorf
Waldorf education takes in a whole child approach. The Waldorf method incorporates predictable daily, weekly and seasonal rhythms with a heavy emphasis on art and music And reverence for the natural world. With Waldorf method, play is an instrumental part of the child’s development, helping them make sense of the world around them. Throughout the day I will invite the children to create art, cook, bake, practice daily life skills, garden and work on hand crafts.
Daily Rhythm
Receiving Children
7:00-8:00
Arrive and free play indoor classroom. This is an intentional moment I like to have in our day. It allows children to settle In to my home environment, and gives them time to explore with their imaginations.
Breakfast
8:00
wash hands then breakfast.
During our morning breakfast meal, it’s a wonderful time to give the first nutritious meal of the day and also gives me a chance to read to the children as hands and mouths are full. Reading to children is so important for building a strong foundation in literacy as well as building a rich vocabulary.
Morning group time
8:45
Gather with movement and song. Once the children have had time to quiet and calm their bodies, we are ready for our morning teaching. During our circle time, I will demonstrate to the children our morning teaching and have the group discussion. For the young ones, we have our number, letter, color and shape of the month. For older children I have many learning opportunities for practicing literacy and sounding out words as the interest arrises.
My focused teachings rotate on a weekly and seasonal rhythm. Weekly we have an art day, baking or cooking day, practical life skills day and an outdoor nature learning day (rain or shine) . We leave Friday open for following new interests and teaching opportunities. The teachings provided during circle time come from daily observing of childrens needs and interests.
Outside play
9:30
After a little circle time, we are ready and excited for outside play. The children have the opportunity to engage in active, meaningful play through our small enclosed wooded area, sand area and mud kitchen. Allowing for plenty of safe play that can feel risky and empowering to the children.
Wash up and Lunch
11:00
Time to head inside for lunch and wash-up. A nutritious meal is prepared in advance before children arrive or with children during morning teaching. This makes for an easy transition to lunch time.
Rest
12:00-2:00
Before rest the children drink water, potty and wash up. Older Children not napping, will have a rest time, followed by quiet play: older children have more in-depth learning materials, games, art, playdough and puzzles while other children rest.
children in my program will be tired! We play, learn and engage in many things.
Wake and snack
2:00
Slowly wake children up, practice caring for napping beds, blankets and pillows.
Potty break and snack (snack is often eaten outdoors on a picnic blanket).
Afternoon play
2:30- 4:00 We enjoy most of our play outdoors. The outdoor classroom is set in part of our forest play area. Designed with natural materials, play areas are set up in ways to invite continual learning as the children engage in nature.
Parents pick up from our outdoor nature area.