We launched our naturalist program in 2017 by observing the outdoor classrooms located in schools in Finland and Sweden. We have always been inspired by the teaching practices from Reggio Emilia, where the classroom environment and its materials are the third teacher. Our hope is that the children see the natural world as their fourth teacher, filled with limitless opportunities to engage and explore.
These extended periods outside offer a special opportunity for children to connect with nature on a much deeper level, alongside their peers. We see these trips as an extension of the classroom versus an isolated field trip. Our overarching goal is simple: to have children be in touch with nature and realize they are part of an interconnected world. This simple goal is grounded in substantial research exalting the benefits children gain from unstructured outdoor time. Working in nature has a significant impact on children's development including increased self-confidence, decreased stress and anxiety, improved motor abilities and an increased ability to focus.
Our children, three years old and above, spend time in the parks around NYC in the fall and spring. In the fall, we start locally with all ages and will shift to larger parks when we have determined which ages and groups are ready. Each class is supervised by their three classroom teachers as well as our naturalist teacher. In the winter months, our studio space is transformed into a natural atelier where the children can investigate elements from nature in a different way. We are so proud of how robust our children have become climbing rocks, jumping in puddles and climbing trees in any type of weather. As they say in Scandinavia, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes."
