Our Learning Philosophy

At Roots & Wings Forest School, we believe that children are intrinsically motivated to learn. Our goal is to promote learning across all developmental domains (physical, cognitive, social, and emotional) by providing a positive environment that encourages discovery and exploration of the natural world in every season. We believe that children learn best through direct experience - and children experience the world through play! Our child-centered approach provides children with a sense of confidence, responsibility, and empowerment. We believe that by learning in and about the natural world, children will care for their environment and what happens to it. Spending time outdoors is critical to the physical, cognitive, and social development of children. We spend the majority of our school day outdoors in our forest classroom whenever possible. While we do not follow one learning method specifically, we incorporate Montessori, Waldorf, and traditional Forest School concepts in our classrooms.

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