Forest Kindergarten: A Bit of Background

Cedarsong Forest Kindergarten is an entirely outdoor program on Vashon Island off the coast of Seattle, WA.  During the half-day program, the children explore the five acre school campus discovering the natural properties of the landscape, the life cycles of the local fauna and flora, and the nuances of growing up with peers in a playful, natural environment.  The children are outside no matter what the weather, following the lead of their surroundings.  When their curiosity is piqued, their teachers guide them through discovering answers.  An inquiry-based, child-initiated daily flow leads the young students on many adventures and discoveries.  The United States are only beginning to realize the benefit of such programs.

Into the Woods :  American kids don’t know how to explore. Maybe what they need is forest kindergarten. By Emily Bazelon
Reuniting kids with nature in forest kindergarten

School’s Out: Lessons from a Forest Kindergarten

Summaries of Research on Forest Kindergarten