Philosophy
Play, wonder, process and routine, co-constructed learning, unstructured time in nature, and the image of the child as capable — these values are the seeds we nurture.
We approach early childhood education by supporting the whole child in their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development. We believe all of these areas are integral to a child coming into the knowledge of themselves and how they connect to the landscape of their early childhood life. We strive to support them on their own unique pathways as we nurture their curiosity, fan their imaginations, affirm their capabilities, witness their growth, and celebrate their confidence.
How is this achieved?
Play
Process and routines
Experience of wonder and ritual
Group work
But mainly through play.
The Whole Child
Play Is Learning
Children have an innate ability to learn, to build meaning and understanding, to develop and grow—and they do all of this through play.
Children play as a way to discover, to figure out how things work, to take risks, to process how they feel, and to experience how they belong in a space individually and in relation to others. Play also develops the executive part of the brain, and social play especially demonstrates a rich ability to hold shared abstract ideas and build upon them over a period of time through planning, organizing, ordering, timing, and self-regulation.
Preschool is about instilling joy, wonder, and curiosity through play. At Language Garden, children learn to trust themselves and step into the world with confidence.
Why outside?
As a nature-based preschool, we spend the majority of our days outside, rain or shine. Our gardens, meadows, and woods provide the setting and inspiration for free play, exploration, risk-taking, and wonder. Nature play offers endless opportunities for exposure and development of the whole child.
Learn more about our curriculum and how we harness nature’s role in our children’s learning and development.
New to nature-based education? Here are some other articles and resources to get you started.
What is a Forest School?
Core beliefs about nature-based education
