Philosophy

At The Cheerful Chickadee Nature School, we proudly embrace the Waldorf curriculum, which aligns beautifully with our outdoor learning environment. The Waldorf approach emphasizes holistic development, nurturing a child's imagination, creativity, and physical growth. Being outdoors allows us to integrate these principles through nature-based activities that engage children in meaningful and joyful learning experiences. Our little learners participate in storytelling sessions under the trees, explore their surroundings through gardening projects, and enjoy free play that encourages physical activity and fosters social interactions with their peers.

In addition to fostering creativity and imagination, our commitment to the Waldorf curriculum ensures that children are prepared for kindergarten through hands-on, nature-inspired activities. They practice fine motor skills by holding pencils and paint brushes while creating beautiful art using plant dyes. Learning to handle scissors becomes an exciting adventure as they cut up leaves, enhancing their dexterity and confidence. The alphabet comes to life through playful activities, and counting to 20 transforms into a fun game as they count bugs, seeds, and other natural treasures found in their environment.

Our approach also emphasizes the importance of observation and exploration. By looking at the world around them, children naturally learn about shapes and colors in a way that is engaging and relevant to their daily lives. At The Cheerful Chickadee Nature School, we believe that the combination of the Waldorf curriculum and the great outdoors provides a rich, balanced foundation for young minds to thrive, setting them up for a lifelong love of learning and connection to nature.