Common Questions
Why should I consider an outdoor school program for my child?
Outdoor education and play both support emotional, behavioral and intellectual development. Studies have shown that students who learn outdoors develop a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline and initiative. Integrating nature into early childhood education is beneficial to brain development, improves academic performance and enhances communication, qualities that are naturally aligned with both Montessori and Waldorf pedagogy.
What are Montessori and Waldorf?
Both Montessori and Waldorf education philosophies are considered alternative, child-led learning models. Both of these approaches teach children how, not what, to think, so that they will develop a love of learning and a natural curiosity for the world around them.
Montessori is a method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. Waldorf is more play and imagination-based in its presentation to the children. Triskelee Spouts effectively merges essential components of both these pedagogies, with the farm and outdoor spaces at the heart of it, into our curriculum and prepared environment.
How does being outside support academic preparedness? How can climbing trees help my child understand a concept like mathematics?
In a word, confidence. When children are given intentional opportunities to approach unknown or new experiences, their search for solutions and to resolve challenges is invaluable. Being outdoors is a deeply impactful way for children to cultivate their skills of independence, perseverance, collaboration and problem solving. These are skills that not only apply to future academic pursuits, but also to strengthening each child's unique character and personality. By offering children the space to explore at their own pace, particularly during this very important time of development, they learn not only about the world around them, but about our interconnectedness therein.
Montessori is about a kid with a stick, digging a hole in the mud: hands dirty, engaged, fascinated, uninterrupted."
Trevor Eissler
