The Seasons at Raintree
By Ashley Hummert The changing seasons are a large part of experiencing forest school. Our students and teachers welcome the elements as they are, gearing up in waterproof pants on rainy days and layering up in thick snow pants during the winter. We get a front row seat to the magic: watching the setting and weather morph each time we go outside to play, bringing us new experiences, play themes, and fascination. There is a special song that each class sings at Raintree when
The Beginning of a Project
By Melanie Rodenbeck As a preschool teacher who works at a non traditional, Reggio-Emilia inspired forest school, I am frequently asked about our unique approach to academics. I enthusiastically describe our project work process as a response to these inquiries about Raintree’s philosophy. Oftentimes, people are left wondering, “How do you pick a project topic for such young children?” The answer is simple: I don't necessarily choose anything, the children lead the way. My
The Power of Loose Parts
“ As long as materials can be moved, redesigned, put together, and taken apart in a variety of ways, they are classified as loose...
Your Voice Matters
At Raintree School, we believe that everyone has a voice and that voice matters — no matter their age. It's a message that we send to the...
The Making of a School Cookbook
By Katie Brown The mythical Raintree School Cookbook was whispered of and requested for years. We understood the importance, the wish to...
An Investigation of Carrots
By Katie Brown What a journey we take at the lunch table each day! In this space we encounter new foods, develop conversation skills and...
The Recycling Project
This Spring, the Hoppin’ Frogs Preschool class embarked on a journey through project-based learning. An interest in vehicles sparked...
The Sweet Side of Project Work
In the Reggio Emilia philosophy, there are two major principles woven together: Emergent Curriculum and Project Approach. The teacher’s...
Seasonal Cooking Class
Building community is a high priority at Raintree School. Students and teachers connect every day, but it’s important for parents to meet...
No Bad Weather, Only Bad Gear
The cold weather is here to stay, so we turn to the famous Scandinavian saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.”...