Slowing down, getting outside and nurturing the whole child and their education in an organic, natural and authentic way.
About Us
Sandhill Forest School is the first preschool of it's kind in the Livingston County area. In a world full of constant stimulation and screen time, we think it's so important for young minds to take the time to slow down, connect to nature, socialize and explore. We believe in nurturing the whole child, and encouraging and celebrating individual uniqueness. We take a gentle and respectful approach to everything that we do.
Each day, we meet for a morning meeting to greet each other, and share what is on our minds. We also discuss and practice mindfulness skills, and introduce the topic of the day. After our meeting, we apply the topics of our discussions during guided inquiries, exploration and cooperative play. There will also be plenty of emergent learning time, where students will have the opportunity to drive the lessons and activities, as we guide them and encourage them to wonder, be curious, imagine and explore.
Getting to know each child, and their curiosities, is incredibly important to us. It will help guide our lessons, and make them as authentic and individualized as possible. It will also help us to build real relationships with each child. Ultimately, we will build trust, and become a true team. Studies have shown that positive and respectful relationships between caregivers and children, help them become confident, empathetic and curious learners, but more importantly, people.
Teaching about mindfulness is something that is near and dear to our hearts at Sandhill. Being mindful is a skill that people will need and use all of their lives. Teaching it to children is particularly impactful, because it will instill this way of thinking as they grow and mature. Being mindful helps a person become more aware of themselves and their feelings. They will begin to understand how to listen to their brains and bodies to understand what they need. They will also learn how to be aware of the emotions of others; and practice empathy and compassion for other people, animals and the environment.
We have so much natural beauty in Livingston county, and it is so important for children to connect to the natural world. With the amount of screentime, and constant stimulation that children are getting in this day and age, it is even more important for them to slow down and get outside. We really think that there is a balance that can be met between the modern, tech-filled world, and the natural world. Screens aren’t bad, but screens can be easily over-used (I am even guilty of this with my own children). By allotting young children the time to unplug, explore, get dirty, and just be kids with other kids, it really allows them to truly find their individuality, and helps their beautiful little brains process the world around them in a different, more creative and fulfilling way. At the same time, they are learning how to socialize with other tiny humans!