We have enrolled (for a one month trial basis) Jackson in german kindergarten called a waldkindergarten for his last year before he starts kindergarten at the schools on base. It is something that Jason and I both wanted to do with him when we first found out we were moving to Germany, but had a hard time finding one that accepted students in our area. After talking with another parent at the school Jason works at (who also lived in Okinawa), she decided to enroll her children in this school as well. We went yesterday for a couple of hours to try it out and see how he liked it. When we woke up it was pouring down rain. I just decided it was a good way for us to see what the do when the weather doesn't want to cooperate. While a friend of mine took care of Grace, Jackson and I put our raincoats and boots on to check this place out. It had no idea what to expect. Jackson is already fully enrolled at the preschool at our church and he really loves it. So, it is a hard decision for us to take him out of what he knows to something that is so foreign to him and even us.
We drove up the empty road up into the forest and came upon the kindergarten literally out in the woods. The kids were all out doing what they wanted at the time. Some were playing in the mud, some were helping the teacher and others just played games with the other kids. It took Jackson no time at all to go out and start to play with the other kids. I am reminding you that they all speak german...no english. ;-) I don't worry about him. He is social and loves to get out and explore outside whenever he can. This place looks just perfect for him. After walking around a bit and exploring with him they started to get things ready for lunch. Every Tuesday the kids help to prepare and make lunch for the day. Jackson started to help by cutting up potatoes and bread for the lunch. Oh, and another thing...all the kids get to carry a pocket knife. Crazy, I know...but it is all under supervision. He did a great job helping out. I have to admit it was neat seeing him in a whole new environment! So the pictures pretty much explain the place and what they do.
I asked what they did when it snows and Jutta, the headmaster said that they have a warming hut they meet in when it gets too cold. Other than that, they are out playing and exploring in the snow!
I have to say that this place is not for every child. But I do think it is for mine. Jackson loves to explore, play outdoors and just enjoy the nature around him. This place is perfect for him to be able to explore God's great earth and give him opportunities that he would of not had. I am hoping that he will be able to pick up the german language and feel more comfortable when we get out in situations within our german community. This place is going to open up doors around him that he would of never dreamed of!
Below I copied a little write up on the waldkindergarten so you can get a little more information about it:
A forest kindergarten is a type of preschool education for children between the ages of three and six that is held almost exclusively outdoors. Whatever the weather, children are encouraged to play, explore and learn in a forest or natural environment. The adult supervision is meant to assist rather than lead. It is also known as Waldkindergarten (in German),outdoor nursery, nature kindergarten, or nature preschool. A forest kindergarten can be described as a kindergarten "without a ceiling or walls". The staff and children spend their time outdoors, typically in a forest. A distinctive feature of forest kindergartens is the emphasis on play with toys that are fashioned out of objects that can be found in nature, rather than commercial toys. Despite these differences, forest kindergartens are meant to fulfill the same basic purpose as other schools, namely, to care for, stimulate, and educate young children.
| Activity | Developmental benefit |
|---|---|
| Playing imaginative games using whatever resources and ideas come to mind | This helps children to explore their own thoughts without the guidance of a toy designer |
| Role play | Shared imagination, drama, team work, recollection of models of behaviour |
| Building shelters or other large structures from branches, with the help of other children and adults | This requires goal definition, planning, engineering, teamwork and perseverence |
| Counting objects or looking for mathematical patterns | Mathematics, visual recognition |
| Memory games using naturally available objects | Memory, naming objects |
| Listening to stories; singing songs and rhymes | Art, drama, concentration |
| Arranging items to make a picture, or building a toy | Art |
| Drawing scenes | Art, creativity, accurate inspection and copying |
| Climbing trees and exploring the forest | Improves strength, balance and physical awareness |
| Playing hide-and-seek with others | Develops children's theory of mind by rewarding accurate anticipation of the thoughts and actions of others |
| Walking to the woodland, from the building. | Improves strength and stamina; preparation (e.g., route selection) improves planning and communication skills |
| Exploring or reflecting alone | Aids self-awareness and character development |
| Resting |
The sign that welcomes you to the kindergarten.
This is the boat where they eat lunch on rainy days.
Jackson washing his hands before lunchtime.
Playing in the "mud pit" with some other boys.
Jutta making a delicious lunch with potatoes, bread and a type of spatzle.
This is a place under the boat where the kids play.
Jackson cutting up potatoes and bread for lunch.
Making the fire to cook the lunch over.
Jackson helping to break twigs for the fire.
A mud hut that the kids can play in.
A part of the outdoor play area for the kids.
One hut where the kids can go. This is where they were cutting up things for lunch.
