Child-centered, Nature-Focused, Play-Based Learning in the great outdoors.
Monday - Friday 8:30 - 3:30
>>> attend 2 - 5 days a week <<<
extended hours are available from 7:30am-5:30pm
wildlings overview:
Our preschool program provides large chunks of child-directed play and learning activities in the great outdoors, combined with guide-led learning each day. Our guides create small group and 1:1 learning experiences for students utilizing emergent curriculum combined with Montessori-aligned principles. Our preschool students develop cognitive, physical, and social emotional skills through real-world learning. Key components of our program include:
↟ Outdoor Play
↟ Sensory Development
↟ Process Art
↟ Place-Based Learning
↟ Introduction to Math + Literacy
↟ Introduction to Social-Emotional + Conflict Resolution Skills
↟ Introduction to Risk in Play
↟ Introduction to Working within a Group
↟ Development of Gross + Fine Motor Skills
Our program aligns with MN Early Childhood Development Standards.
a 1:7 ratio, with a maximum of 14 children per class + 2 guides ensures individualized education and support
preschool schedule sample
Subject to change based on seasons + needs of students
7:30 - 8:30am Early Bird Drop-Off + Breakfast
8:30 - 9am Regular Day Drop-Off
9 - 10:30am Free Choice + 1:1 Learning
10:30 - 11am Morning Gathering
11am - 12pm Nature Exploration
12 - 12:30pm Lunch (brought from home)
12:30 - 1:30pm Quiet Time/Nap Time
1:30 - 2pm Table Activities
2 - 3:30pm Free Choice + 1:1 Learning
3 - 3:30pm Regular Day Pick-Up
3:30 - 5:30pm Night Owls
5:30pm Final Pick Up Time!
Daily Choice Activities include art, dramatic play, science, motor skills, math, literacy, nature lessons, outdoor skills, + more!
Applications for 2024-2025 open to the public March 1st.
please email leona@rwfsmn.org or call 218.325.0234 if you have questions or would like to schedule a tour before applying.
Further Readings that Guide and Support our Philosophy:
Courage to Grow How Action Academy Turns Learning Upside Down by Laura A Sandefer
Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life by Peter Gray
Let the Children Play: How More Play Will Save Our Schools and Help Children Thrive By Pasi Sahlberg and William Doyle
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv
Let Them Eat Dirt: How Microbes Can Make Your Children Healthier by B Brett Finlay, PhD and Marie-Claire Arrieta, PhD
Teach Like a Finlander by Timothy D. Walker
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough