Little Forest FolkTM


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Little Forest Folk is a nature based program for children ages 3.5 - 5 years old offered by the Woodcock Nature Center in Wilton, CT. The nature center has 149 acres of woodland forests, swamps, streams, and a large pond.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
9:00am - 12:30pm September to June
Contact: Jennifer Bradshaw, forestfolk@woodcocknaturecenter.org
Mission
We believe that each child should cultivate a lifelong meaningful relationship with the natural world. We provide the connection between children and nature through unstructured play, healthy risk taking, and exploratory learning while encouraging children to have empathy towards all living things.
Program Philosophy
We use the natural world around us as the guiding theme to frame our core curriculum areas of science, art, math, music, language, and literacy. The program is play-based, place-based, and student-driven.
Our rhythm includes spontaneous play, movement, exploration, observation, discovery, circle time, storytelling, creating, and reflection. Lessons emerge throughout the day and there is generous space provided for learning to flow from interest and discoveries which nature provides from season to season.
Physical safety is our highest priority. Teachers carry a radio, a first aid kit, a list of all children’s emergency contacts, and medical information.
Benefits of a Forest Education
Our program is modeled after the "forest schools" popular in Germany and Finland and growing in popularity in the United States, where children spend the majority of their day outside and lessons are guided by children's interest and curiosity. Research strongly suggests that time in nature can help children learn to build confidence in themselves, reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and help with focus.
“The research strongly suggests that time in nature can help many children learn to build confidence in themselves; reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, calm children, and help them focus,” Richard Louv, the author of Last Child in the Woods and co-founder of the Children and Nature Network, said in an email. “There are some indications that natural play spaces can reduce bullying. They can also be a buffer to child obesity and offer other psychological and physical health benefits.”
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Development of fine and gross motor skills
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Incorporates multiple learning styles
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Improves health (physical, emotional, mental)
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Promotes healthy risk-taking
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Encourages problem-solving skills
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Creates engaged and passionate learners
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Creates appreciation and respect for nature
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Supports creative thinking
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Boosts self-esteem
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Children experience fewer sick days
Kindergarten and Life Readiness skills gained in our program:
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Respect for others
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Physical stamina
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Self-confidence
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Willingness to take risks
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Problem solving
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Critical thinking
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Cooperation and teamwork
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Compassion
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Excitement about learning
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Conflict resolution
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Emotional balance
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Self-motivation
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Creativity
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Imagination
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Peer communication
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Self-regulation
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Empathy
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Self-awareness
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Self-esteem
Examples of Activities & Skills
Natural Sciences: Ecosystems, Plant Studies, Geology, Animal Habitats, & more!
Personal Development: Conflict Resolution, Self-Reflection, Compassionate Feedback
Physical Well-Being: Stretching & Movement Practices, Natural Movement
Creative Arts: Songs, Crafts, Storytelling, Dance, Nature Journaling
Ancestral Skills: Shelter Building, Tracking, Fire Building, Safe Tool Use, Harvesting, Knife Work