Nature-Based Kindergarten

The purpose of nature-based learning in Kindergarten at Dover-Eyota Elementary School is to connect students with nature in various ways, during all kinds of weather, in order to foster excellence in personal development, academic achievement & environmental stewardship.

Outdoor experiences start small at the beginning of the year. As we learn procedures, expectations & become comfortable with the outdoors, we add more experiences outside. This includes regular lessons adapted to the outdoors, story-times, snack, free choice and more!

We will usually start out in the woods. Sometimes, we stray from the woods to a place tucked out of the wind or with deeper snow. We may find an open space or take a hike around the property. It all depends on the day, the students and nature!

In the woods, students have several stations to choose from for their exploration time: a mud kitchen, a sandpit , story rocks, nature art, den/fort building, nature observations, loose parts, and more. In the winter, building snow forts is always a fun experience and during rainy days, we may stomp in puddles and explore water! Again, the students and nature lead and we, as teachers, facilitate and guide.

Finally, we look for ways to partner with other classes outside for fun activities or lessons, whenever that might work.

Specials are attended inside the building.

Other variables also play into when we are able to go outside and for how long, such as student services, special guests/classes, assemblies, assessments and other such things that may come up.

Nature doesn't have to be experienced solely outside.

At times, natural materials are brought in to use as manipulatives or for art projects. We have a plethora of nature-themed books for students to listen to or read themselves. We may write about nature indoors in our journals. Students also have opportunities to observe nature from the large windows in our classrooms.

Any time a nature connection presents itself, we try to make use of it!

No Weather is Bad Weather!

Our classes go outside for Wilderness Wednesdays, regardless of the weather, unless there are extreme or unsafe circumstances (see our Winter Weather Information here).

The experience may be altered on especially rainy or cold days to include more games, movement and breaks inside. For other days & lessons we've planned outdoors, we still go out unless the activity just is not possible due to the conditions.

Due to the amount of time spent outdoors in this program, in all kinds of weather, appropriate gear for all seasons is vital for students’ comfort and success.

Some gear will be provided for students by DEES & will be kept at school. Most items will need to be provided by families.

*If your family has barriers to purchasing gear, please contact the school as soon as possible. We will work with you to be sure your child has what they need to be outside!

A gear checklist is provided below.

Gear Provided by DEES (items stay at school):

• Oaki Trail Suit (waterproof rain suit)

• Oaki Rain boots

• Reima waterproof rain mittens

Gear Provided by Family (all items must be labeled with first and last name):

• Light-weight jacket for fall/spring (fleece is good)

• Knit hat for fall/spring

• Winter jacket/parka (waterproof)

• Snow pants/bibs (waterproof with reinforced knees)

• Snow Boots (waterproof)

• Warm winter hats

• Light mittens

• Heavy snow mittens (waterproof and pull up over the jacket sleeve)

• Neck gaiter (fleece is preferred and is warmer than other materials)

• Insulated water bottle (to keep drinks cold in warm months and warm in cold month

• Extra clothing (labeled), for when your child's clothes get wet or dirty at school.
  

• Layers

Resources for Gear:

Not all outdoor gear is created equal. Even notable, brand-name companies have gear that is not really meant for extensive outdoor play & learning.

Some great brands:

• Land's End offers a wonderful, waterproof parka and waterproof snow pants (they often go on sale AND you can get a 50% off code for signing up for their list!)!! They also have great base layers (long underwear) available, too!
  
• LL Bean offers a host of outdoor products, including snow gear, base layers, fleece mid-layers, socks and more!
• Kamik offers the Rocket and the Snowbuster as great snow boot options.
• Turtle Fur offers great fleece neck gaiters, but also has options for winter hats and more!
• Smartwool also offers great hats, as well as wool socks, base layers and more!
• Yeti Rambler Jr insulated water bottle - it's easy for kids to use with mittens on!

Many retailers offer the types of gear your child will need & offer discounts on products if you sign up for their mailing lists or if you meet their discount qualifications (teacher, veteran, medical professional, etc). Many items can also be found, possibly for less, on Amazon, REI or elsewhere if you do an internet search.

Discount clothing sites can also be explored, such as kidizen, ThredUP, and WornWear. You may also try second-hand stores such as Janky Gear (in Rochester).

You can find many quality items at garage sales or handed-down from family or friends! Just be sure the items are still in good condition, without holes or tears & have working zippers, clasps, Velcro & buttons.

We suggest shopping ahead of time to have the gear for each season before the season arrives. Gear can be a great birthday or Christmas gift from family & extended family, too!

Gear Communication:

There will be communication from your child’s teacher regarding gear. We'll send out the seasonal gear reminders as we enter each season. We'll try to have updates in the newsletters for the upcoming weeks.

• As you may expect, a nature-based experience will differ from that of the typical classroom experience at DEES. Aside from the how the class functions and gear needs, we want you to be aware of the following:

  
  

  • Students may come home a little wet and/or a dirty! Should a clothing change be needed, we'll facilitate that at school (with the extra clothes you've provided).
  • Students may be exhausted, particularly on Wilderness Wednesdays. The play & fresh air will tire them out in a positive way! A strong bedtime routine & good night's rest will help them be ready for each day.
  • Students will be encouraged not only to learn, but to play in nature. They may utilize sticks or rocks to build with, hang on trees, balance on stumps, jump around, roll down hills, etc. Students will learn to take calculated risks & understand the consequences of their choices, as well as how to alter choices for the next time (if needed). We'll guide students with this process.
  • At times, students may have minor bumps, bruises or scrapes from our nature experiences. We'll have First Aid kits with us outside & will attend to minor things. If anything should happen requiring the nurse's attention, we'll facilitate that & contact you.
  • Sunscreen will be needed (even on cloudy or cold days). You can apply before school begins (especially to faces), but we have some for reapplications, as needed. Hats will also be helpful with the sun!
  • Bugs may bite & bug spray may be needed, at times. We'll communicate with you about this, as the situation arises. Ticks may also need to be discussed in the warmer months. We'll communicate about this, as well.
  • Hydration is vital & your child will be encouraged to drink often. Cool water is great when it's warm. In the winter months, warm beverages will help warm us up! Water bottles should be cleaned at home, nightly.
  • Properly hydrated students will need to use the bathroom! Students will have regular bathroom breaks inside, as our schedule allows, and we'll always go before/after outdoor time. Bathroom procedures outside will be a bit different. Your child will never be denied access to the bathroom, but sometimes it may take us longer than normal to get to a bathroom. For this reason, if your child's still working on bathroom procedures and "holding it", that would be good to practice over the summer.
  • At times, we'll ask for "experts" that might be willing to come in and teach about something such as bee-keeping, syrup, monarch butterflies, plant/animal identification, etc. We're so excited to partner with families & community members!