We Are A Preschool, And Our Classroom Is The Forest.
When you think of a preschool classroom, what comes to mind? Colorful walls adorned with ABCs and 123s? Tiny chairs and tables neatly arranged? A schedule filled with specific times for circle time and arts and crafts?
For us at Little Finch Forest School, the answer is simple: our classroom is the forest.
We believe that the most powerful learning happens in the open air, surrounded by the rhythm and wonder of the natural world. Our philosophy is rooted in the understanding that children are born with an innate sense of curiosity, and the best environment to nurture that is a space with no walls, no ceilings, and an infinite number of lessons waiting to be discovered.
The Classroom Without Walls
Our classroom stretches across the rolling hills and shaded trails of the beautiful Altadena foothills. Here, the curriculum is alive, ever-changing with the seasons, the weather, and the discoveries of the day.
The ceiling is a canopy of sycamore and oak trees, dappled with sunlight.
The floor is a soft carpet of fallen leaves, rich earth, and smooth stones.
The learning materials are sticks for building, rocks for counting, and leaves for painting.
In this space, children aren’t confined by four walls. They have the freedom to move, to run, to climb, and to use their bodies in ways that build strength, coordination, and confidence. This physical freedom is the foundation for intellectual curiosity.
Learning Beyond the Textbook
While we may not have traditional desks, our students are immersed in a dynamic, hands-on curriculum that effortlessly blends academics with real-world experience.
Science: Children become budding botanists, identifying different plants and observing the life cycles of insects. They learn about weather by feeling the wind on their faces and predicting rain.
Mathematics: They count acorns, measure distances with sticks, and create geometric shapes from found materials.
Language Arts: Storytelling comes naturally as they act out narratives they create from their adventures. They learn new vocabulary by describing the textures of bark or the colors of wildflowers.
This sensory-rich environment makes learning tangible and memorable. A lesson on decomposition isn’t a diagram in a book; it’s a living, breathing experience as they watch a fallen log turn to soft earth.
Nurturing the Whole Child
Our forest classroom is designed to cultivate more than just academic skills. It is a space for children to build resilience, independence, and a deep connection to their environment.
Resilience: Learning to adapt to different weather conditions—whether it's navigating a wet trail or staying warm on a crisp morning—builds a sense of capability and grit.
Problem-Solving: When faced with a muddy patch or a challenging climb, children work together and think creatively to overcome obstacles.
Confidence: The pride on a child's face after they successfully navigate a trail or build a fort is unmatched. These small victories in nature build a foundation of self-trust that will last a lifetime.
At Little Finch, we see a child not as a vessel to be filled with facts, but as a fire to be ignited by wonder. Our teachers are guides who follow the children’s lead, facilitating their natural curiosity and helping them forge a relationship with the world around them.
So, while we may be a preschool, we are so much more. Our classroom is the forest, and within its walls of trees, your child will learn to thrive.
Ready to Experience the Magic?
If you're interested in learning more about our approach and seeing if our outdoor preschool is the right fit for your family, we invite you to explore Our Philosophy and Programs & Enrollment pages.
