How We Teach
Our program is rooted in the belief that children are naturally curious and intrinsically motivated to learn. We prioritize exploration, inquiry, and connection over rigid structure, allowing learning to unfold organically through play, relationships, and real-world experiences.
A Unique Preschool Experience
Nature Based Learning
Children spend most of their day outdoors exploring forests, trails, beaches, and natural spaces.
Exploration
Children are given ample time to explore without interruption, allowing them to form inquiries and make discoveries on their own. They are encouraged to ask questions, and to try to find the answers through investigation.
Connection
Regular visits to the same outdoor locations allows children to build a reciprocal relationship with the land and our natural environment, while small class sizes allows them to build deep relationships with one another and foster greater social-emotional growth
Growth
Mixed-age grouping (ages 3-5) gives children the opportunity to learn from one another and experience different roles within the class community.
Taking responsible risks in play help children develop a greater sense of self awareness, confidence and resilience.
A Unique Preschool Experience
Nature Based Learning
Children spend most of their day outdoors exploring forests, trails, beaches, and natural spaces.
Exploration
Children are given ample time to explore without interruption, allowing them to form inquiries and make discoveries on their own. They are encouraged to ask questions, and to try to find the answers through investigation.
Connection
Regular visits to the same outdoor locations allows children to build a reciprocal relationship with the land and our natural environment, while small class sizes allows them to build deep relationships with one another and foster greater social-emotional growth
Growth
Mixed-age grouping (ages 3-5) gives children the opportunity to learn from one another and experience different roles within the class community.
Taking responsible risks in play help children develop a greater sense of self awareness, confidence and resilience.
Learning Environments
Our spaces are designed to foster independence, curiosity, and self-directed learning.
Our Outdoor Environment
Our days are spent primarily outdoors, where children are encouraged to explore, take appropriate risks, and build confidence in a natural setting.
While we have access to a 600 sq. ft. indoor space, our true classroom is the surrounding landscape - hundreds of acres of forest, nearby McLarens Beach, and ever-changing seasonal environments that offer endless opportunities for discovery and learning.
Our Indoor Environment
Our indoor space is designed to support creativity, exploration, and inquiry in meaningful and authentic ways.
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We believe that children learn best through real, open-ended materials that invite exploration, creativity, and independence.
Our Teaching Philosophy
At Forest Path Preschool, our approach to early learning is inspired by elements of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Forest School pedagogies. We view children as capable, curious, and deeply connected to the world around them.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education views nature as an essential part of children’s learning and development. Through regular time outdoors, children build confidence, resilience, problem-solving skills, environmental stewardship, and meaningful connections with the land and the world around them while honouring the communities whose land we live, learn, and play on.
