The main aim of our program is to create a positive environment that allows children to be together peacefully and happily. Children should be able to develop at their own pace from their own inherent strength, learn with joy and enthusiasm and acquire a wide range of life skills. In an accepting, caring, appreciative and free atmosphere, children can learn to take responsibility for themselves and others.
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​Emergent curriculum is woven together with TK/K level learning themes such as early literacy and math skills, social-studies, and science of the natural world.
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Ours is an intimate group, with just 8 children.
Our Core Values
Curiosity & Wonder -
We encourage the children to question, explore, and discover the world around them. This value is central to fostering lifelong learners who are always eager to understand more about the world around them.
Sense of Place -
Our curriculum emphasizes a deep connection to the local environment, and changing seasons, helping children develop a sense of place. This grounding helps them appreciate the uniqueness of their surroundings and understand their role in their community and ecosystem.
Unstructured Play -
Unstructured play is vital for child development, providing opportunities for creativity and social interaction without set boundaries. This kind of play allows children to use their imagination freely, which is crucial for cognitive and social development.
Creativity & Interconnectedness -
Creativity is fostered not just in arts, but in problem-solving and interaction. We teach children to see the interconnectedness of their world, linking lessons in nature to broader life lessons, which cultivates a holistic understanding of their environment and community.
Environmental Stewardship -
We instill a strong sense of environmental stewardship, teaching children the importance of caring for the Earth through sustainable practices. This core value ensures that students grow to respect and protect nature, contributing positively to environmental conservation.
Community Engagement -
We prioritize building a vibrant community. Our approach encourages cooperation, mutual respect, and active participation, connecting students, families, and local entities to cultivate a supportive and interconnected environment.
"Encourage your kids to look for nature everywhere you go. It's the weed breaking through a crack in the pavement. It's the leaves forming small clumps along the side of a road. It's the sky at any given time of the day or night. It's the wind doing what it likes with your hair. Look around, it won't take long to find it."
- Penny Whitehouse
Join Snails & Turkey Tails
Mixed-Ages Forest School
Registration is now open for our August - December semester!
Snails & Turkey Tails Forest School is a semester based program with a rolling admissions policy. If we have space, we'd love to have you join us! Message us for an admissions application. All students must be fully potty trained.
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Dates
January - May
August - December
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Location
China Camp State Park
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Hours
9AM - 1PM
Monday - Friday
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Ages
3 - 5 years
(All students should be fully potty trained)
Tuition
$8,500/semester
Billed in five monthly payments of $1,700/month
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While a large majority of our day is spent exploring and adventuring, we do intersperse sessions of free play with nature inspired learning activities. We don't use just one curriculum, but rather a combination of thoughtfully sourced lessons.
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Following is a short list of our favorite resources:
- Play The Forest School Way by Jane Worroll and Peter Houghton
- Seasons Afield Science Collection
- Exploring Nature with Children by Raising Little Shoots
- Wild Math by Wild Learning
- Blossom and Root
Our Curriculum
Our Daily Rhythm
While no two days are ever the same, we do follow a daily rhythm that provides a sense of structure and containment for children.
- We begin our days with a welcome circle where we enjoy a shared snack and story.
- That is followed by nature exploration where we gather materials for the day's art or science project
.- We then come together to make, build, experiment and create.
- Following our activity, we take a snack break that usually includes a story. We then have plenty of time for unstructured play
- At this point we power down a bit and everyone is encouraged to rest. There are various opportunities included during rest time, with both individual and group activities.
- Finally, we come together in a circle and review our time together. We hike back to the pick-up spot where children are reunited with parents and caregivers.
