The Rühbühl Forest Kindergarten in Lenzkirch in a nutshell...

• The children play outdoors in all weathers – they experience the rhythm of the seasons first-hand.
• The space for movement and activity is much larger than indoors – their natural urge to play and move can be expressed freely, and tension can be relieved more effectively.
• The natural environment promotes physical and mental wellbeing – the immune system is strengthened.
• The children develop a positive relationship with nature. They come to see the forest as unique and worthy of protection.
• The children play with roots and sticks instead of ready-made toys. This fosters independence, creativity and imagination.
• Children are provided with a language-stimulating environment and given opportunities for in-depth language development (e.g. through finger plays, rhymes and stories, role-play, mealtime conversations, singing songs, etc.).
• Language development is closely linked to the developing thought process and is greatly enhanced. ‘Why’ questions provide an opportunity to explain events and assess situations – children display great curiosity and attentiveness when out in nature.

Experiences of nature, in particular, offer a rich array of sensory and experiential opportunities:

• Touching, feeling, smelling the scent of earth, mould, moss, fresh greenery, the fragrance of blossoms, etc.
• Hearing and listening to the sounds and calls of animals, the wind, the crackling of branches, etc.
• Seeing the most varied play of colours between trees, light, shadows, and the effects of mist, snow, etc.

daily routine:

• 7.45 – 8.30 Drop-off time.
• 8.45 Morning circle, followed by a shared snack.
• Afterwards, various activities:
• Free play
• Forest time – we walk together to a patch of woodland
• Creative activities: painting, crafts, woodcarving, felting…
• Exploration trips, walks
• Pre-school
• Experiential learning activities
• Building on the children’s ideas
• from 13:00 second shared snack
• 13:00 – 13:45 Pick-up time.

Club activities for children (parent-run initiative):

• Tuesdays 15:15 – 16:30
• Thursdays 15:15 – 16:30