Introduction/specifics

The special feature of our facility lies in two main areas: Farm and forest. By being close to nature and the animals, the children can grow up naturally and securely. Through daily visits to the cowshed and feeding, the children learn to take responsibility. We work closely with the farmers Johannes and Rainer Oeschger. They run an organic farm with arable farming, suckler cows and horses. Depending on the time of year, we support the farmers and plan various projects. The cooperation with the farmers enables us to familiarize the children with work processes. Among other things, they learn to grow, care for, harvest and appreciate food themselves. The children learn to treat the animal and plant world with care and respect. In this way, they experience, understand and marvel at nature and experience the seasons with all their senses. Spending time in nature strengthens our immune system and promotes physical and motor skills.

Rooms

A heated and cozy construction trailer built especially for kindergartens offers a pleasant, sheltered play and rest area, even in rainy and winter weather. There is a cozy rest and reading corner. An inviting play area gives children's imaginations free rein. A painting and craft table and a second play area offer space for creative design. We like to make music with the children using a guitar, flute, drums and rattles. In the event of severe weather (thunderstorms/hail/extreme temperatures), it is not possible to stay or shelter in our construction trailer for safety reasons. Then we can go to the Thimoshalle in Oberhof. 

Outdoor Facilities

The immediate area where the construction trailer is located comprises a fenced-in area. Here the children can play freely in the sandpit, the mud kitchen, our sales stand, a large table for painting, puzzles and various games. Children can ride various vehicles on the large terrace. The children have a variety of places to retreat to, such as the forest, willow house, morning circle and construction trailer.

Daily Schedule

Arrival: The children arrive at the kindergarten from 08:00 to 08:30. During this time there is free play on the premises.

Morning circle: Before breakfast, we greet each other in the morning circle. We sing, play and discuss various topics and plan the rest of the day together.

Breakfast (snack): Due to our pedagogical orientation and concept, we would like to incorporate the aspect of a healthy and sustainable diet into the children's daily routine. There are two meals during kindergarten time. The first meal is our communal breakfast. 

Morning: After breakfast, we will look after the cows and support the farmers on the farm. Depending on the season, we will carry out activities/projects on various topics, for example: From apples to apple juice. In addition, the teachers will offer different activities indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather. These include, for example, felting, clay or working with wood. We will also explore the nearby forest and meadow with the children. There is also the possibility of free play and fixed activities.

Second snack: applies to children who stay at the facility longer than 13:00. The second meal is served at 13:00. We cannot heat up food in the facility, only keep it cool. Afterwards there is free play or a closing circle.

Cooperations

We work closely with the farmers Johannes and Rainer Oeschger. 
Rainer Oeschger. Depending on the time of year, we support the farmers and plan 
different projects. The cooperation with the farmers enables the children 
the children to get to know work processes better.

We also cooperate with the Regenbogen kindergarten and organize preschool meetings and excursions together.

Teamwork with school

We work together with Niederhof elementary school. Every year, we plan the coming preschool year with the cooperation teachers and regularly discuss the child's readiness for school and level of development. The teachers visit us in the kindergarten and from the second half of the year we take the preschoolers to Niederhof elementary school.

Teamwork with parents

You, as parents, are important to us. We ask for open and honest cooperation. For us, this includes: discussions in everyday kindergarten life, parents' evenings and joint celebrations with the families. If you have any worries, questions or problems concerning your child, you are welcome to arrange a personal meeting with us at any time. As parents, you elect two representatives from among yourselves to the Parents' Council for each new kindergarten year. This is intended to be the link between parents, the provider and the kindergarten.

Parents' evenings: Parents' evenings are an integral part of the cooperation between staff and parents. As a rule, two to three parents' evenings are held each year.

Development talks: Once a year, we would like to have a development talk with you as a family, in which we discuss your child's development and personality and consider what is important for your child in the future. These meetings take place around your child's birthday.

Specifics

Farm and forest:

- growing up natural and born

- Growing up with animals: Being able to take responsibility for animals

- Developing social and emotional skills

- Growing, caring for, enjoying and appreciating food

- Develop physical skills through a wide range of exercise

- Build a stable immune system

- Experience, marvel at and understand nature

Projects

There are fixed projects and festivals that are held every year, such as

the projects: From apples to apple juice or festivals such as St. Martin's Day, St. Nicholas Day and the summer festival, as well as individual festivals based on the children's themes.

For the preschoolers, there is the final party with the kindergarten sleepover and other projects that are determined annually.

Description and Stations

To get to our Bauernhof-Wald-Kindergarten, please follow the "Bauernhof-Wald-Kindergarten" signs from the entrance to Oberhof. The kindergarten is located near Thimosstraße.