Forest School | The Native School

Guided Play

Our weekly Guided Play is a great opportunity FOR YOUR CHILD to benefit from self-directed adventure PLAY in a supported, wild SPACE.

This 6-week class is designed to introduce you and your child to the concept of learning through play. Guided play is the act of using play to support children in every area of development. While play is wanted by children it is also needed as it is the primary vessel for teaching fundamental skills for physical, cognitive, language and social/emotional development. Each time you play with a child you have the opportunity to give them skills and knowledge that they will use for the rest of their lives.

Every Friday, we start our time together by allowing children to choose which interest area they will explore. Each interest area is carefully curated to develop a key skill. Parents and guardians will be coached on how to play in each interest area to support the needed skills for their child. The day includes a morning gather where we will sit to participate in a shared reading, song, or activity. Parents and guardians will be shown how to take simple moments like storytime, and songs, and turn them into foundational literacy lessons. The day will also include a child-led walk where each child is given the opportunity to explore and observe in their own time. We allot this period in our day so no child feels rushed, but can take the time they need to explore and play in their time.

Fridays

9:30AM - 12:30PM

Del Mar

FOR CHILDREN AGED (18 MONTHS-3 YEARS) TO ENGAGE IN ADVENTURE PLAY, this includes:

Child-Centered: Children choose their activities and interests, promoting intrinsic motivation.
Adult Involvement: Parents and guardians observe and interact with children, asking open-ended questions to extend their thinking and exploration.
Environment: The learning environment is carefully designed to stimulate curiosity and encourage interactions.
Collaborative Learning: Children often work together, sharing ideas and problem-solving collaboratively.

Our team has created BEAUTIFULLY CURATED SPACES for you and your little one to explore and participate in that include:

Symbolic and Dramatic: This interest area offers children a space to explore their creativity and begin to play collaboratively with peers. Through creating narratives of their own, children are building the foundation of their literacy skills.
Curated Libraries: A serene spot where you can dive into nature-themed stories, sparking imagination and a love for the outdoors.
Calm Corners: A quiet space for students to explore ways to identify emotions and regulate their bodies.
Construction and Building Play: Engage with natural elements to create structures, fostering teamwork and creativity while appreciating the beauty of the environment.
Discovery: The Discovery interest are challenges children to use their logic and critical thinking skills. Elements of numeracy and science skills will be developed through play.
Music and Movement: Through songs, dance, and instruments, children will benefit from the self expression and rhythm skills that accompany this interest area.