Introduction/specifics

Der Waldkindergarten ist eine Alternative zum gängigen Regelkindergarten. Der Schwerpunkt unserer pädagogischen Arbeit ist das Spielen und Lernen in und mit der Natur.

Bei uns werden die Kinder morgens zu unserem Bauwagen gebracht. Dieser hat einen Wasser- und Stromanschluss und ist mit einer normalen Toilette und einer Küchenzeile ausgestattet. Wie der Name „Waldkindergarten“ schon sagt, verbringen wir die meiste Zeit aber in der Natur. Wir sind viel an unserem Waldplatz, machen gemeinsam viele Spaziergänge und entdecken die Umgebung. Je nach Wetterlage und Temperatur passen wir unseren Tagesablauf an.

Bei uns erfahren, begreifen und erleben die Kinder die Natur in ihrem vielfältigen Umfang. Sie können verschiedene Wetterlagen und den Wechsel der Jahreszeiten spüren und erforschen sowie die Elemente Wasser, Feuer, Luft und Erde beobachten und erleben. Die Kinder können ganzheitliche Erfahrungen machen und die Natur mit allen Sinnen erleben. Diese Erfahrungen ermöglichen wir den Kindern mit viel Freispielzeit in der Natur. Und was fördert die Kreativität und soziale Interaktionen besser als das Spiel mit natürlichen „zwecklosen“ Materialien?

Im Freispiel beobachten wir die Gruppe, was sie spielen und welche Themen sie gerade interessieren. Je nach Interesse der Kinder, der Jahreszeit und anstehenden Festen, ergeben sich dann Projektthemen, die wir im Morgenkreis und in Angeboten entdecken. Dabei fördern wir die Kinder ganzheitlich und greifen die verschiedenen Bildungs- und Entwicklungsfelder auf: Körper, Sinne, Sprache, Denken, Gefühl und Mitgefühl und Sinn, Werte und Religion. Jedes Kind hat auch einen Portfolioordner, in denen wir Fotos und Texte zur Bildungs- und Entwicklungsdokumentation, Lerngeschichten, Zeichnungen und andere Kreativarbeiten festhalten.

Basics

Frequently asked questions:

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you are wondering whether the forest kindergarten would be something for your child, you can call us at any time. We will be happy to answer your questions and make an appointment for a visit.

What clothing does a forest kindergarten child need?

It is important that the children wear clothes that fit them well and allow them freedom of movement.

On warm days:

•     Light clothing (preferably still long pants because of ticks)
•     Hiking boots or outdoor sandals
•     Headgear with neck protection

On cold days:

To prevent children from freezing or sweating, the onion principle has proven its worth. This involves putting several thin layers of clothing on top of each other. This protects the body from the cold and if it gets too warm, the children can take off a layer.

•     Snow pants and winter jacket
•     Hat, scarf
•     Warm, waterproof boots
•     Waterproof gloves
•     Long underwear, tights, leggings,...

In the rain or in a wet environment:

•    Waterproof clothing (mud pants and rain jacket)
•     Waterproof shoes/ rubber boots
•     Rain hat/shield cap to protect your face from the rain

What equipment does a forest kindergarten child need?

•     Towel with carabiner to dry hands
•     Backpack with clip fastener and chest strap
•     Seat pad for cooler days
•     Thermos flask (robust and keeps warm in winter and cold in summer)
•     Snack box
•     Clothes (see: What clothes does a forest kindergarten child need)

What's it like during storms?

During thunderstorms or storms, we spend our day in the construction trailer. In very strong storms or other extreme weather conditions, we can use the Schlossgartenhalle in Liel.

Isn't it too cold for the children in winter? Don't they get sick more often?

As the children are on the move a lot, they rarely get cold. It is important that the children wear warm and waterproof clothing. In cold temperatures, we often make a campfire where we can warm ourselves. We also have our heated construction trailer, which we use in such cases. The children don't get sick more often, the fresh air actually toughens them up and strengthens their immune system.

Do children learn everything they need for school in the forest?

You can also learn the skills you need for school in the forest. Nature is a very good learning environment for developing creativity, language, initiative, problem-solving and social skills. In the last year of kindergarten, the children starting school are given special preparation for school in our weekly school starter sessions.

Can the Waldkindergarten children also paint and do handicrafts?

The children also have many opportunities to paint and do handicrafts. On the one hand during creative activities, but also in everyday life. We have painting materials in the construction trailer and for the forest we have a painting box with pencils, leaves and painting materials, which we always take with us in our handcart.

What about ticks?

Sturdy shoes and long clothing often protect us from ticks. But it still happens that a child comes home with a tick. That is why it is important that a tick check is carried out after kindergarten. If we see a tick on your child, we will be happy to remove it (with a signature).

Are there poisonous plants in the forest?

Yes, there are poisonous plants in our forest. That's why we always discuss the forest rules (e.g. don't eat anything from the forest) with the children. It is important that the children know that we only eat what is in the snack box.