Learning through nature immersion
Little Forest School (LFS) is a nature immersion school. We offer half-day enrollment for children ages 2-6 and a full day program for students from 5-10. It was created to be a place where children feel a deep sense of belonging in the natural world and within a community of people. All learning will take place outside whenever possible, rain or shine. We wear lots of layers, move our bodies a lot and stay in the sun in the colder months. We stay in the shade, incorporate lots of water and ice play and focus on fine motor activities in the warmer months. We wear full rain suits and boots on the rainy days and put up tarps to eat under. We will spend about 90% or more of our days outside and reserve inside for high winds, rain under 50 degrees or thunder and lighting.
Teaching children to care for themselves, others and the natural world is the primary focus of LFS. Loving and caring interactions are role modeled and practiced. Expressing feelings with words and practicing empathy will be highlighted. LFS will feel like a family where we support each other when we make mistakes and encourage each child to be their best.
LFS was founded in 2017 by Deb Long who has been teaching preschool and Kindergarten since 2011 and has over 5 years experience as an outdoor educator and counselor for students between 11-18.
Little Forest Core Values
Helpfulness
Young children love to be helpful and we build on this desire by introducing the concept of service and completing one project each semester as a whole school.
Kindness
Our expectation is that we treat ourselves, each other, and the Earth with kindness.
Physical Experience
We strive to create a place where children can test their limits and experience themselves as strong, confident physical beings. Sensory experiences are an important part of this. We know physical strength and sensory experiences are essential, so we make sure our students get lots of both. Gross and fine motor experiences are part of our daily play and routine.
Peacemaking
We create and maintain a culture where peace is honored, and when conflict arises we address it using the concepts of empathy, listening, using words, and looking for what everyone can agree on.
Deep Nature Connection
This is the feeling of being truly at home in nature, with a deep sense of love and understanding of the natural world.
Exploring the Grounds
The grounds at The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany are vast and include 4 acres of land. Each class has a designated outdoor area and there is additional area for running, playing and exploring. There is also a large wooden play structure that is used by each class daily.
Church Courtyard & Memorial Garden
There is a large courtyard at the entrance of the building. This is where you may enter the building.
There is a memorial garden that holds a water feature, winding sidewalks, sitting benches, grassy patches and beautiful landscaping that reflect the native plants of Georgia. We use this area for nature walks, yoga and story time.
Byrd Land
There is a large grassy field that has an upper and lower area. The upper area has trees for shading, a native wildflower and vegetable garden and more natural wild areas to explore. The lower area has more open area surrounded by large trees so the main field gets lots of sun for the colder winter. We use both the upper and lower field for yoga, music, nature exploration, group games and community gatherings.
Meditation Garden
Lastly there is a meditation garden that has sitting benches nestled within more native Georgia vegetation. We may gather here for a picnic lunch, story time, morning circle or to explore.