Forest School (Jr. K to 1st)
Forest School at Northern Discovery Academy
We are excited to launch our new Forest School Program here at NDA! This program will be a 4-day (Monday through Thursday) program for Jr. K and K students (or young 4s to 6s). We tailor and design our education to serve our students as individuals. We do everything we can to spark joy, inspire curiosity, and engage them in ways that fit them as individuals and in their own development. The Forest School program is the next step in fulfilling that vision.
What makes a forest school and what is it?
The forest school movement has grown since the 1950s when Denmark began this approach to education in their public school systems. It was a huge success and has since been a growing movement in the United States. Forest Schools are marked by exclusive outdoor experience, unstructured outdoor play, discovery-based learning, and student freedom within the context to explore the world around them. Forest schools spend a majority (some 100% exclusively) of their learning time outdoors utilizing nature and the experience of the elements as an essential part of the child's experience.
Why here at NDA?
We are passionate about offering an education that serves the whole child. One of the most important ways to educate our students is to connect them with the world God made through nature study. At NDA we have seen the benefits of nature experience and study in the education of our students. The forest school program is a key next step in serving our community.
Who is it for?
Children from 4 to 6 years can participate in this program. The key is readiness. We measure readiness by restroom independence, an ability to take direction from an adult, and a willingness to sit when asked for short periods of time appropriate to their age. It is considered a Jr. K to 1st grade program.
What would a typical day look like?
Students enrolling in the forest school program would spend much of their days outdoors. They will be integrating their learning through nature. Students would get some table time and indoor creative play, but their primary experience would be outdoors. Students in this program would have a very relaxed approach to their school day. This would include a dedicated nap and indoor time to help them manage the day. More details and a schedule will come out this summer.
Interested? Reach out to our Principal and Adminstrator at michaelb@northerndiscoveryacademy.com to learn more!
Enrollment is open now!
Preparing for School
Preparing for Forest School
Forest School is a unique learning experience and that means the supplies to prepare for the school year are a bit different. Students will be required to have certain clothing necessities with others being recommended. This helps staff ensure that students are warm and comfortable throughout the year.
Common challenges are students losing track of hats and gloves. We work with students to avoid this, provide some backups at school, and do our best to coach kids in this. But, please plan on sometimes needing to purchase replacements as the year goes on.
Required Clothing --
A full-body all-weather suit -- A good option found here. ($54)
Waterproof Gloves -- A good option found here. ($12)
Waterproof Drawstring Backpack -- A good option found here. ($9-$12)
Rain Boots & Snow Boots for Winter and Spring.
Wool Beanie Hat
A good link to read up on daily/seasonal ways to dress your child can be found here!
Recommended Clothing --
Layering Clothes Like -- Example
Warm Socks and Quality Everyday Shoes
Additional Winter Gloves -- Example
Required Regular School Items --
4-5 Notebooks for the Year
Colored Pencils
Crayons
Pencils
Erasers
Sketchpad
Glue Sticks (2-4)
Family Contributions
Families help us keep our costs down. For that reason we ask attending families to contribute to some of the group supplies that our students will need.
Please choose one of the following:
Paper Plates and Paper Cups
Plasticware and Napkins
Toilet Paper and Paper Towel
Interested? Reach out to our Principal and Administrator at michaelb@northerndiscoveryacademy.com to learn more!
