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

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

“ As long as materials can be moved, redesigned, put together, and taken apart in a variety of ways, they are classified as loose...

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...

By Katie Brown The mythical Raintree School Cookbook was whispered of and requested for years. We understood the importance, the wish to...

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...

This Spring, the Hoppin’ Frogs Preschool class embarked on a journey through project-based learning.  An interest in vehicles sparked...

In the Reggio Emilia philosophy, there are two major principles woven together: Emergent Curriculum and Project Approach. The teacher’s...

Building community is a high priority at Raintree School. Students and teachers connect every day, but it’s important for parents to meet...

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.”...

Sustainability is a word and an action that often feels overwhelming, challenging, or daunting. But none of those things have to be true!...

“We respectfully acknowledge that we are on the traditional, ancestral lands of the Osage Nation. The process of knowing and...

As educators we know that children are never too young to begin learning about diversity. In early childhood education, the practice of...

A little mud goes a long way, especially when you submerge yourself in a muddy puddle from head to toe! But at Raintree, we love the...

One of the best ways to build a school community is to encourage play and interactions across classes. While our friends often play...