A child-led nature based preschool in East Bethel, Minnesota
Where the Wildlings Are: Our Outdoor Space
Who We Are and What We Do
Hi! My name is Michaela, teacher and director at Wildlings Nature School. I am passionate about preserving the magic of childhood through unhurried, open-ended nature play.
My journey in nature preschools began when I had a practicum experience at a nature preschool while I was in college. I instantly fell in love with the approach to education and realized how resilient, empathetic, and inquisitive the children were able to become in a nature-based environment. I found myself advocating for the opportunity to student-teach in a nature preschool and later brought nature-based programming to a district preschool after graduation.
When I had my own child, I knew that I wanted to be with her and provide her with the best early childhood I could. When my family moved to a new area, we purchased a home and property with nature preschool potential, put in a LOT of time, energy, and hard work to set up the space, got a family childcare license, and the rest is history!
At Wildlings Nature School, supporting the whole child through interest-based learning and play is the priority. I look forward to sharing our journey along the way!
Our Classroom
The Little Things Matter
The Wildlings indoor space is designed with a priority placed on natural materials, interest-based learning materials and books, child-sized furniture and cleaning supplies, and opportunities for open-ended play.
Designed With Care
The school day flow is inspired by the Waldorf concept of “breathing in” (recharging) and “breathing out” (requiring focus) activities. Children alternate between these activities to promote focus, regulation, and learning.
For example:
Inhale – Breakfast
Exhale – Circle Time
Inhale – Free Play Outside
Exhale – Nature Journals
“We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love for this Earth, and to tell our stories. These are the moments when the world is made whole. In my children’s memories, the adventures we’ve had together in nature will always exist.”
— Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
Our Philosophy
Wildlings Nature School operates under a philosophy that early childhood education should be child-led, active, and unhurried. Teachers at Wildlings take inspiration from Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Montessori, as well as messages from the children and the natural world. We believe that a child’s natural curiosity about the world should be encouraged and fostered to empower and support learning.
Thanks for being here. We are excited to share more from our happy little school!
Follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest adventures!
https://linktr.ee/wildlingsnatureschool