Introduction/specifics

The forest and nature kindergarten gives the children plenty of free space to run, discover and play. Motor development, posture, dexterity, balance, self-assessment of one's own abilities, etc. are encouraged on a daily basis through the diverse opportunities for movement in the forest.

The seasonal cycle with the development, blossoming and growth, ripening and harvesting, withering and resting of nature is experienced and marveled at every day. The direct effects of kindergarten time in the forest and in nature are a high level of understanding of the interrelationships of nature and respect for the earth as the habitat of us all. The children are sensitized to a mindful and sustainable approach to nature.

Rooms

Our “spaces” are nature, because childhood and nature belong together in an almost inseparable way. Nature offers children everything they need for healthy development.

Every educational space in nature has its own atmosphere, based on the different terrain structures and plant populations, as well as the different personalities of the educational staff.

Playing and learning in nature offers the children continuity by going to the same places in nature again and again and at the same time stimulating experiences through a variety of stimuli such as changing temperatures, the warm or cold wind, smells, light and dark, dry and wet, warm and cold, contact with living things and much more.

Another space is our heated construction trailer, which provides shelter during storms, thunderstorms, cold weather, etc., and also serves as a small room for various activities. Our construction trailer has two toilets, a small cloakroom, a kitchenette, tables and seating, some board games, puzzles, picture books, painting supplies, etc.

Outdoor Facilities

Our garden offers plenty of space for imaginative play and creative building in the sandpit. Our small raised beds offer the children the opportunity to experience and learn about the “cycle of nature” (sowing, flowering, growing, harvesting) at first hand.

Daily Schedule

The children can arrive at the nature kindergarten from 7:30 a.m. and start the day with free play in the garden. By 8:30 a.m. at the latest, all children must have arrived at the nature kindergarten or, in case of absence or illness, been excused by 8:30 a.m.

We then start our morning circle with our good morning song. We check who is present and who is absent. Then we think about what day of the week/month it is and plan our day.

Afterwards, we make our way to the forest. Once we arrive, we settle in and have breakfast together in the forest.

After breakfast, there is time for free play in the forest and various educational activities.

We make our way back to the construction trailer, where it's time for “story break.” The children refuel with a second snack while we read a story every day.

From 12:30 p.m., the children can be picked up flexibly until 1:30 p.m. at the latest at the construction trailer. 

Food

We eat together with the children every day. All children bring their own healthy snack and drink.