Deep Roots Nature Play

Micro-School

Deep Roots immerses kids in nature, where they can connect with themselves, each other, and the living world.


Program Details

Type of Program

Micro-School

Preferred Ages

3 year olds – Kindergarten

Neighborhood

Seahurst Park

Location Type

Outdoor

Program Description

Deep Roots Nature Play is a newly forming Forest Kindergarten, an outdoor nature immersion program for young children.

We are creating a small mixed-aged group with one teacher and up to five kids. We will meet at [Seahurst Park] (https://goo.gl/maps/9G2DUsHi2yzmLnMP7) on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, from 1pm-4pm, rain or shine, to explore, play, and learn from the land.

Follow us on Instagram @deep.roots.nature.play!

Philosophy

"The more slowly trees grow at first, the sounder they are at the core. And I think the same is true of human beings." ~ Henry David Thoreau

We Believe: That children are curious and primed to learn about the world around them. That children learn best when they can engage all their senses and when they have the freedom to explore at their own pace. That children are innately social and are interested in learning how to create healthy and happy relationships with others. That developing a connection with nature in childhood creates a stable sense of self and a feeling of belonging that carries throughout life.

Approach

We follow a simple structure that makes room for adventure and natural learning opportunities. The teacher acts as a guide, using a light touch to keep kids in a state of discovery and self-directed play.

By carefully watching and expanding upon the interests of the children and the rich offerings of the environment, connections form and projects unfold. This creates learning experiences that are relevant, real-world, and tangible.


Activities

Trail walks
Exploring creatures at low tide
Bird watching
Plant identification
Building structures and shelters
Nature art
Reading the clouds

Taught by Sarah Lum

Background Check Confirmed

Hello, I'm Sarah and this is my daughter, Mei-jy, who will be one of the kids at Deep Roots. I have sixteen years experience working with children, and I most enjoy spending time with them outside.

I love learning about the living world around me. Because of this, I am familiar with many of the plants and animals we might encounter. It's one of my greatest pleasures in life to share in the beauty of the Earth with children.

I also enjoy practicing herbalism, drinking tea, doing yoga, riding my bike, and spending time with my family.

Contact

Get to know me and my thoughts on children, play, nature, and education through our Instagram @deep.roots.nature.play!

Or check out our [Facebook page] (https://m.facebook.com/deeprootsnatureplay/).

If you would like to send me an email, you can reach me at deeprootsnatureplay@gmail.com

Cost & Availability

Part Time$200 per month

Program Location Details

Our Location

Our outdoor program is located at [Seahurst Park] (https://goo.gl/maps/9G2DUsHi2yzmLnMP7), just south of Seattle along the puget sound.

We will meet on the grassy area near the roundabout at the base of the lowest parking lot. After having opening circle there, we will offer a bathroom break and wash hands, then take a walk along one of the forested trails or the rocky shoreline. Somewhere along the hike, we will settle down for deeper exploration and play, and end with a snack and story.

We ask that you pack a snack and a water bottle. We can work with other parents to be mindful of what they pack if your child has a severe food allergy.

After snack and a story, we will walk back, stopping for a bathroom break and washing hands, and end at the grassy area for closing circle and pick up.

Weather Considerations

Since this is an all-outdoor program, appropriate clothing is key. We encourage you to dress your child in warm layers (wool is great!) and a rain suit and rain boots that they can get muddy in during the colder months.

The weather always looks worse from inside! One of the best ways to enjoy the cold wet winter in Seattle is by getting out in it. There's always more sunlight outside, even on an overcast day. With the right clothes and with a spirit of adventure, all-weather play can offer some of the most memorable experiences.

In the case of severe weather where it is unsafe to be outside, we will meet at Sarah's house, located in Boulevard Park, 15 minutes from Seahurst Park. We will let you know the day before or early that morning so you can make arrangements.

Covid-19 Precautions

We will be careful to comply with state precautions regarding Covid-19, including wearing face masks, sanitizing and washing hands, and having lots of room to spread out. We will emphasize activities that encourage distance, but since this is a play-based program with young children, there will be most likely be some physical interaction among students. However, being part of a small and regular group and being outside in the fresh air is helpful in reducing transmission.

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