At Kettle & Crow Forest School, we provide holistic, nature-based preschool and kindergarten programs drawing influence and inspiration from Waldorf early childhood education. Our approach emphasizes holistic development through all-outdoor learning and seasonal rhythms.

A primary tenant of our educational philosophy is rhythm. Our days flow like breath - in and out, in and out – within a reliable framework children can rely and lean on. Daily rhythms adjust, expanding and contracting, morning to afternoon, as needed, with the children and season. For example, winter, on the whole, is a more inward time requiring a bit more rest and longer times ‘round the fire to share stories. Spring is expansive, asking for a quicker meal and the desire to “burst out” to experience the renewed world.

Seasonal Rhythms

As the children establish a sense of place and connection to the world around them, we take special note of the changing seasons. Seasonal rhythms are reflected in activities, crafts, and stories. Through the shifting of the seasons, we further explore the natural world and evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity. We celebrate each season with special family events: a festival of light in Fall, a solstice spiral in Winter, and a maypole dance in Spring.