What's included
5 live meetings
2 hrs 30 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade Preschool - Kindergarten
Good morning, dear Earth, good morning, dear Sun, Good morning, dear rocks, and the flowers, every one Good morning, dear bees, and the birds in the trees, Good morning to you, and good morning to me. Join us for a delightful daily virtual preschool gathering that embraces the spirit of Waldorf-inspired learning and fosters the bonds of friendship. During our circle time, we embark on a journey through the wonders of the seasons and embrace the beauty of nature. Our day commences with a harmonious and predictable rhythm, as we collectively set our intentions for a positive day ahead. A heartwarming welcome song, complete with a mindful breath and stretch, is our spirited kickoff. Each child receives a warm personal greeting from the instructor, and we encourage our little ones to extend warm greetings to their fellow friends, sparking engaging conversations. Children will love Chipper the chipmunk and Bear Bear, the inseparable best friends living in the Friendly Forest. Their heartwarming adventures offer an array of valuable lessons. Through their stories, children will learn about the changing seasons and the wonders of nature. Chipper and Bear Bear's friendship models kindness, cooperation, and empathy, helping children develop essential social skills. As they face challenges and solve problems together, young readers are encouraged to think critically and apply problem-solving strategies. These endearing tales are not just about friendship but also about fostering a love for nature and the beautiful lessons it offers throughout the year. Our circle time concludes with mindfulness exercises, positive affirmations, uplifting compliments, and a fond farewell song. In this cherished class, your young ones will develop a deep appreciation for the natural world, cultivate peace and mindfulness, nurture academic and social skills, and, most importantly, form meaningful friendships. Caregivers are provided in advance access to the poems, songs, and verses that may be printed to use at home. And don't forget to look forward to Fridays, as we celebrate the week's end with a delightful roundup of our most cherished songs and stories, capped off with the ever-anticipated show-and-tell session!
Learning Goals
Through seasonal themed stories, songs, and poetry, young children will build academic and social skills though peaceful play.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
I will provide downloads of the verses we are learning each week for you to use at home.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Get $10 off my classes with coupon code FRIENBACKTOSCHOOL10 until Sep 5, 2024
Welcome to The Friendly Forest School!
I come to you with a wealth of knowledge, classroom experience, and a passion for teaching young children though play.
My classes follow a Waldorf-inspired approach that focuses on the holistic development children, ensuring that academic skills are nurtured in an engaging and imaginative manner.
A predictable peaceful rhythm, delightful melodies, American Sign Language, and captivating tales (often set in the Friendly Forest) infuse every lesson, making learning a joyful exploration!I
By embracing the ebb and flow of nature's cycles, my goal is to help children feel grounded, secure, and ready to absorb knowledge with open hearts and curious minds.
ABOUT ME:
My journey began in the summer of 2001 when I had an internship in Early Childhood Education at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. After graduating from Purdue University with my Bachelors Degree, I began working as a social worker and case manager for young children in LaPorte, Indiana.
I then moved to Phoenix, AZ and started my journey in Special Education, working as an in-home therapist for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. I specialized in building language through American Sign Language, sensory integration and sensory processing disorders, and positive behavior support. In 2005 I was named by the Governor as Arizona's "Caregiver of the Year"!
In 2006, I obtained my Masters Degree in Special Education and began working in a K-6 Self Contained Classroom. During this time I worked to develop an award winning School-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support program, based entirely on peace and mindfulness. I was awarded the "You Make a Difference" award by the Osborn School District for my work on this project!
My daughter, Eleanor, was born in 2010 and by 2012 I left the classroom to be a full-time mama. My youngest daughter, Annalise, was born in 2013. During this time I began to adopt Waldorf philosophies at home and began homeschool using Waldorf inspired pedagogy.
In 2017, I started my own Early Childhood Center called "Let's Play Learning". The developmentally appropriate curriculum was based on the view that children learn best when they are actively exploring the natural world and a carefully constructed environment in the company of their caregiver and directed by loving, professionally prepared teachers. I closed my doors at the beginning of the pandemic and began teaching online, which I love!
In my classes I strive to create a culture of peace and mindfulness while teaching academic skills through nature, imaginative play, storytelling, and artistic expression.
I now live with my family just five minutes away from beautiful Lake Michigan.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$35
weekly ($7 per class)5x per week
30 min
Completed by 60 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 3-6
3-10 learners per class